ttUUfmili - ^> r ,H' f .,_ << --*> otf 3,0 °X. v<* * o ' .# v % ^ ' -p '^. V* ■** '^ ,^ x £ «\ X * O ' o ,, v * . ^ ** THE r *. LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN; WITH A EEMINISOENOE, BY HIS SON CHARLES F. COFFIN EDITED BY HIS DAUGHTER. ^MAKY C. JOHNSON PRINTED FOR HIS FAMILY ONLY E. MORGAN & SONS. 1863. » » o <£///&# <* INTRODUCTION It is proper to remark that the following memoir has "been committed to the press, in accordance with the wishes of Elijah Coffin's immedi- ate family, tja-at each one of its members might have in their own possession, the record penned by the hand of a tenderly, affectionate and beloved husband and father. There is but little of editoral matter inserted into the Journal, ex- cepting explanatory notes. The work of the compiler has chiefly been to arrange the material, and gather up such portions of information as furnish the interesting particulars of the life of the subject, and which in the minds of those who were the recipients of his tender sympathy and affection, can not fail to awaken pleasant recollections. The present volume begins with a sketch of the early life of Elijah Coffin written from his own recollections and included in the autobi- ography, which is followed by the extracts from his diary, and the whole are submitted precisely as he left them without abridgment. It would be a, great source of gratification to his survivors, had his memoranda began at an earlier date, giving a recital of the various incidents of his life throughout . the period of youth and early manhood, but in the examination of his journal and papers, it is found that he was not in the practice of keeping a daily record, previous to the fiftieth year of his age. It will be observed that but few extracts are introduced from his large private correspondence which he maintained many years with valued friends, both in England and America. It would undoubtedly prove both interesting and instructive, to have had selections from his letters in- serted in the following pages, but no copies having been preserved with his private papers, excepting those relative to business, or on important subjects, it was deemed best, in preparing the present volume, to omit to group together the widely scattered material, which might be obtained from numerous sources, as it probably would not present any new fea- IV INTRODUCTION. tares in his Christian character, and would swell the volume to a larger size than is intended. ^ The publications of Elijah Coffin, to which frequent allusion is made in the following pages, are before the public, and have met with much acceptance ; many testimonies having been already rendered to their value and usefulness. His memoranda are chiefly the events of the day, or recital of domes- tic incidents, portraying his domestic feelings, which, perhaps, possess but little of interest to others than his own family. They are occasionally interwoven by an expression of his sentiments on the various matters which came under his observation, together with the religious state of his mind; and as a whole give ample evidence of the purity of the life of one who lived in accordance with the Apostle Paul's injunction to the saints, "That they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate ; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life." Cincinnati, Eleventh-month 1862. M. C. J. OOISTTEISTTS. CHAPTER I. Early Life — Revolutionary War — Visit to the West — Marriage — Removal to Indiana 9 CHAPTER IT. Journal — Visits to Monthly Meetings — First- day Schools — Visit to .Baltimore — Cholera — Indiana Yearly Meeting , 23 CHAPTER III. Visits to Schools and Meetings — Bible and Tract Societies — Indiana Yearly Meeting 56 CHAPTER IV. State Constitution — Tract on Amusements — Visit to Eastern Cities — "*""" Bequest prom Josiah White 79 CHAPTER V. Visits to Quarterly Meetings — Tract on the Marriage State — In- diana Yearly Meeting — American Bible Society — Visit to Yearly Meeting at Philadelphia — Yellow Fever in New Orleans — London Yearly Meeting Address on Slavery 94 CHAPTER VI. Passage of Nebraska Bill — Journey to Eastern Cities — Yearly Meet- ing at Newport, R. I. — Return Home — Indiana Yearly Meeting — Visit to the West— N. C. Hoag and Wm. Hobbs — Prayer — Visit to North Carolina 117 \ CHAPTER Vir. Return Home — Religious Exercises — Indiana Yearly Meeting — War in Kansas.... 142 VI CONTENTS. CHAPTER VIII. Indiana Bible Association of Friends— New Year — Visit to Kansas — Western Yearly Meeting — Indiana Yearly Meeting 154 CHAPTER IX. Reading Circles — Death of John Allen — Western and Indiana Yearly Meetings — Sabbath Schools — Visit to Washington and Eastern Cities — New York and New England Yearly Meetings — Journey to Iowa — Indiana Yearly Meeting — Visit to North Carolina Yearly Meeting... 172 CHAPTER X. Visit to North Carolina, Continued — Mammoth Cave — Secession of South Carolina — Capture of Fort Sumpter — Visit to Kansas — Shawnee Mis- sion — Close of Journal — Memoranda — Visit to the Sea Shore — De- clining Health — Indiana Yearly Meeting — Sabbath School Confer- ence at Cincinnati — Conclusion 227 CHAPTER XI. Last Days and Decease 264 REMINISCENCES. By his son, Charles F. Coffin .........,...*... 28>5 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. CHAPTER I. Early Life — Revolutionary War — Visit to the West — Marriage — Removal to Indiana. The following brief sketch of the birth, parentage and early life of Elijah Coffin, is taken from his Autobiography, written from his own recollections : It is an interesting exercise to recur to the scenes and actions of one's past life, and to those of individuals with whom we have been intimately connected, and who may have been instrumental for good or for evil, in directing the course of our conduct, and of forming and establishing our future character. Such a review is interesting, because we may see in our past conduct and conversation many things to condemn, and for which we sincerely repent, with a prayer that the best help may be afforded by the mercy and free grace of G-od through our Lord Jesus Christ, to reform and amend, to cease to do evil, and to learn to do well j also, that we may take courage from the peace and enjoyment which have flowed into our minds, and the blessings which, in various ways, may have attended us, from withstanding temptations, and performing the things required of us. From the experience of years, a good lesson of instruction may be drawn, which, if heeded, might be greatly valuable to the young. Moved by these considerations, the following sketch of my dear and honored parents, and of my early life, is penned. My father, Bethuel Coffin, son of William and Priscilla Coffin, was born on the island of Nantucket, on the 6th day of the Second- 2 (9) 10 LIFE OP ELIJAH COFFIN. [1756- month, 1756. My mother's name was Hannah Dicks, daughter of Nathan and Mary Dicks, and she was born in the neighborhood of New Garden, in North Carolina, on the 16th day of the Sixth- month, 1757. My grandfather, William Coffin, was son of Samuel and Miriam Coffin ; and my grandmother Coffin's maiden name was Paddock. Samuel Coffin was son of John and Deborah Coffin, and married Miriam Gardner. John Coffin was son of Tristram Coffin, and married Deborah Austin. Tristram Coffin came to the island of Nantucket in the year 1660, from Salisbury, in Massachusetts. The island of Nantucket being small, and its soil not very pro- ductive, a large number of people could not be supported thereupon ; and to procure a livelihood a considerable proportion of the males went to sea, by which they became acquainted with a maritime life, and many of them brave, enterprising seamen. The whale fishery was pursued for the profits it afforded ; and the talents and enter- prise of the Nantucket men, enabled them to pursue it to advan- tage, insomuch that that branch of business was carried on more extensively, I believe, from that place, for a considerable time, than any other upon this continent. My father went to sea two voyages (the vessel being in pursuit of whales), when quite young; one of them into the Gulf of the St. Lawrence, and the other along the Labrador shore, and into Davis' Straits, as far north as latitude 62° 10'. I well remember to have heard him say that the sun was out of sight in the latter place ; in the summer, only about four hours in the twenty-four, viz. : from ten o'clock P. M. to two o'clock a. m., and that upon the deck of the ship, the twilight was sufficient to enable them to read at midnight. After these voyages, he served a while in an appren- ticeship to the business of boat-building. The population of the island still increasing, many of the citizens turned their attention to other parts, and were induced to remove and settle elsewhere, with a view to better their condition as to pro- viding for their children, etc. Awhile before the Revolutionary War, a considerable colony of Friends removed and settled at New Garden, in Guilford county, North Carolina, which was then a newly-settled country. My grandfather Coffin was one of the number that thus removed. His removal took place, I believe, in the year 1773. He had ten children, eight sons and two daughters ; 1776.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 11 but some of them being grown up and married did not remove at first, but afterward. My father was then about seventeen years old. My father's marriage took place on the 1st day of the Fifth- month, 1776, in the twenty-first year of his age, with Hannah Dicks, and they settled in the same neighborhood. The Revolutionary War was then in progress, and it was not long after this until the citizens of that part of the country felt, in various ways, the cruelty and horrors of such a conflict. The force and efficiency of the colonial laws, which had, of course, been sustained by the power of the British government, were weakened and abated, and rendered almost inoperative for the suppression and punishment of some sorts of crimes. The asperity and hatred which existed between two parties called Whigs and Tories, the first of which were the revolutionists, and the last the loyalists, to the British sovereign, may be named as two of the principal causes which gave latitude to many outrages and murders ; and the general unsettlement which existed in political affairs was taken advantage of by ruffians and robbers, who committed many depredations. When the armies came into the country, families also frequently suffered by the depredations of some of the soldiery. I remember to have heard my father relate the following incident: He and my mother were awakened one night by a knocking at the door, where- upon he, rising, opened the door, when two men, armed and in the habit of soldiers, entered. I believe father and mother had then their second child, and the youngest was in bed with them, and mother was a witness to what passed. Father invited the soldiers (for such they appeared to be) to the fire, and kindly offered them seats; at the same time opening the fire, and desiring them to warm themselves. Very soon he stepped out after more wood, which one of the men observing, followed him. My father had taken up the wood, and was about returning, when he observed the soldier after him. The soldier ordered him to stop, or he would " blow a ball through him," but my father went quietly forward without appearing to regard his command, and was suffered to enter into the house without the execution of the threat. He laid the wood upon Jthe fire, and treated the men kindly. After staying awhile, without seeming to be able to execute their designs, they departed without doing any mischief, but went to the house of a 12 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1781. neighbor and committed robbery. I believe my dear father ever looked upon his preservation and protection from evil, as a kind interposition of Divine Providence in his favor. At another time, a soldier stole and carried off some of my mother's clothing, which she afterward recovered through the officers of his company. The battle of Guilford occurred in the Third-month, 1781, near Martinsville, which at that time and for a considerable time after- ward, was the county seat. The action was commenced between scouting or advance parties, about the Cross-Roads, a little to the north of New Garden meeting-house, about five miles west of Mar- tinsville, and several were killed and some wounded there. The main engagement was three or more miles eastward of this, and about one mile west of Martinsville. My father's residence was two or three miles from the battle-ground. The incessant cracking of the musketry and roar of the cannons, were therefore plainly heard by the family. It has been uniformly spoken of, as a day of great solemnity and awfulness. A hired man in my father's family was recognized by some soldiers as a deserter, and forced off into the army, and returned to my father's no more. During the pro- gress of the battle, a soldier came in great haste to my mother at the dwelling, having two of his fingers shot off and bleeding, which she kindly dressed for him as well as she could, and he then has- tened back to the conflict. My father went to the ground on the next morning, and was an eye-witness of the dreadful carnage of the day before, and rendered some assistance in burying the dead bodies which were lying upon the ground. A house near the Cross-Koads was made a hospital for the wounded, and New Garden meeting-house another. The neighbors went frequently and assisted in nursing the wounded, many of whom died of their wounds ; and those who died at the meeting-house were interred in the grave-yard there. I well remember a large grave, crosswise, in which it was said five were laid. After the battle of Guilford, the scenes of turmoil and war in that part gradually passed away, and quietness ensued; and the order of law was soon established and the independent government of the State, peace being concluded in 1783. My father and mother now had an increasing family. The fol- lowing are the names of my brothers and sisters, with the dates of their births annexed ; also the names of the persons they married ; 1803.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 13 Nathan, born Fifth-mo. 2, 1778, lived but a short time. Elisha, " Eleventh-mo. 27, 1779, married Maja M'Cuistion. Zacharias, " Fourth-mo. 5, 1782, " Phebe Starbuck. Paul, « Third-mo. 23, 1784, « Elizb. W. Moody. Kebekah, " Second-mo. 27, 1786, " Robert White. Hannah, " Fifth-mo. 15, 1788, " Thomas Symons. Mary, " Eleventh-mo. 18, 1792, " Micah Newby. Bethuel, " Eighth-mo. 20, 1795, died Seventh-mo. 2, 1799. Elijah, " Eleventh-mo. 17, 1798, married Naomi Hiatt. It had been my grandfather Coffin's prospect, that his youngest son, my uncle Abijah, should remain witb him upon the farm at New Garden, owned and occupied by the former, and minister to his wants in his declining years. But my uncle being taken away by death, arrangements were afterward made for my father and his family to remove to the premises, and occupy one part of the dwelling, which had been prepared for two families, and become the care-takers of my grandfather and grandmother in their old age. I can not tell in what year this removal took place, as it was before my remembrance ; yet, after I was born, so I conclude it might be about the year 1800. Farming had been my father's business, by which he had ob- tained a support for his family ; but in addition to this, which he still carried on, I remember that he entered upon two other enter- prises. One was merchandise, which he pursued for a few years, while he could have the use of some capital belonging to my grand- father, which was called in after the decease of the latter. Another was the building of a small grist-mill, on a little stream which passed through his farm, which was a convenience to the neigh- borhood for awhile, but not being profitable, was suffered to go down. My grandmother, Priscilla Coffin, died, I think, in 1803; and my grandfather, William Coffin, soon after, in the same year, or in the forepart of the next year. He was born in Nantucket, in 1720, and was about eighty-three years of age when he died. She was born in 1722, and was about eighty-one at her death. They were both valuable elders in the religious Society of Friends, and were highly esteemed and honored as useful and leading members m society and in the community. Being solid, religious^ venerable 14 LIFE OP ELIJAH COFFIN. [1810. persons, of good and weighty judgment, they were placed to occupy the head of the meeting at New Garden, for a considerable time, in the latter part of their lives. And having finished their course, they were gathered to their fathers in a good old age. As before mentioned, they had a large family of children, whose names are as follows, all born at Nantucket : Libni married Hephzebah Bunker. Deborah married Gardner, Micajah Terrell. First mar- riage at Nantucket, second in North Carolina. William married Esther Hunt, Elizabeth Vestal. Married in North Carolina, settled in New Garden. Samuel married Mary Duana, Mary Macy. Settled in North Carolina. Barnabas married Phebe Marshall. Settled in North Carolina. Matthew married Hannah Mendenhall, Hannah Macy. Settled in North Carolina. Both marriages there. Bethuel married Hannah Dicks, Catharine Macy. Settled in North Carolina. Levi married Prudence Williams. Settled in North Carolina. Abijah married Elizabeth Robinson. Neither lived long. Priscilla married Asa Hunt. Died soon after. My father was left in the sole occupancy of a large farm ? with his little stock of merchandise and a mill to manage. Bufe a division of my grandfather's effects among the heirs now became proper. He, therefore, brought his store to a close, and, after a few years, sold off a part of the land, including the ancient resi- dence and large orchard of apple trees; and, after a full adjust- ment was made, settled in a dwelling-house which had been built by my oldest brother, on another part of the land. To this he removed with his family, Seventh-month 25, 1810, in my twelfth year. I can well remember that at this time my mind was much interested in the affairs of the family. My grandfather's and my father's house had long been a place of resort and entertainment of many Friends who came to the neighborhood, either to attend religious meetings or as travelers for the promotion of the Truth. I think my oldest brothers and sisters well remember some interesting and instructive opportunities which occurred during such visits. I was in the practice of attending Friends' meetings at New 1811.] LIFE OP ELIJAH COFFIN. 15 Garden, and my mind was frequently interested therein, particularly in the Yearly Meeting. I can remember how my heart was reached and affected, while quite a hoy, by the touching and powerful min- istry of Friends who published the gospel. My uncle Barnabas was clerk to the Yearly Meeting for a considerable time. In 1811, my sister Hannah was married to Thomas Symons, and they removed to Indiana to settle. My brother Paul was also married not far from this time ; my brothers Zacharias and Elisha and sister Rebecca had been married before; so that now there were none but my sister Mary and myself left at home with our parents. My dear parents were very kind and indulgent to me, and brought me up to industry and application to our business of farming, by which I was disciplined in mind to a diligent attention to lawful and proper business ; yet I was permitted to have a great deal of liberty in my associations with others ; and was frequently in com- pany which, at that age of vivacity and youthful activity, was hurtful to me, and the injurious effects of which were not soon eradicated. I well remember that after giving up to spend the afternoon of a First-day, in play and recreation with my cousins and others, a sad night of bitterness followed ; and yet such was my desire after such company, that I frequently fell into error of this kind, by giving way to the levity of my disposition, and to too much light conduct and conversation. I can well remember also that the company and conversation of many persons of mature age, with whom I frequently associated in the work of our farm, was far from being profitable or exemplary; so that my mind was employed on subjects of an injurious ten- dency. I have now to be thankful to the great and good Preserver that I was kept out of any great sin, or from the commission of any crime very disreputable or scandalous ; and although I re- member, with sorrow and shame, many froward and perverse things in my behavior, yet I was considered, by some who knew me, as a pretty good boy. My dear father did much to instruct me as to obedience to the Spirit of Divine Grace upon my mind as my rule and guide, and was well pleased with my ready advance- ment in learning, when opportunity offered for me to go to school. But our schools were then far short of being what they are at present, in regard to the facilities and qualifications of teachers, etc. ; 16 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1816. and as my services were much needed at home, my opportunities of school were limited. The turn of my father's mind was decidedly pious; and I believe it afforded much pleasure to him, and to my dear mother, who was a very orderly woman, to witness what was pious and orderly in their children. Their attendance of religious meetings was very regular, and we were encouraged to go also. I believe they both desired to encourage us, by precept and example, in the ways of righteousness. My father was upright and honorable in his deal- ing; careful to comply with his contracts; to give good weight and measure ; and not to involve himself in business beyond his ability to manage. He took an active part in the proceedings of our re- ligious society, and appeared to be much interested in the company and society of religious persons. From the year 1811 to 1814 or '15, our country was at war with England, many incidents of which I well remember ; particularly do I remember the general public rejoicing which took place when peace was made. In 1816, our friend Jeremiah Hubbard was employed as teacher, to occupy a school-house which had been newly built at New Garden. I had become acquainted with him, having attended his school at Deep River a few weeks previously to his coming to New Garden ; and now I was employed, for a short time, as assistant teacher in his school. During this service, I was seized with a violent sickness, which, for awhile, threatened to terminate my life. After a protracted season of excruciating suffering at one time, caused by the disease and medicines, I lost all consciousness of my being. I remember to have awakened, as it were, from this condition, finding my father and mother gently bathing my extremities with vinegar, which refreshed me ; and I shall never forget the kind and tender softness with which they administered the soothing hand, all in silence. My feelings of mind were extraordinary. I felt as inno- cent and sweet as a child, and happy as a person free from every impurity and every uneasiness. These sweet feelings were entirely free from any excitement ; and whether they were allowed me on account of my real condition, or whether they were graciously afforded to give me a foretaste of that Happy condition in which those find themselves who stand in perfect acceptance in the Divine 1818.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 17 sight, I am not now about to say. But it seems to me yet, on •thinking of it, that my feeling of peace and innocency was com- plete. I had no more pain or bodily suffering on account of that sickness, but gradually recovered usual health. My heart is tender. and the tear starts in my eye now, as that happy scene is brought before me. This year may be noted as about the time when the first ac- quaintance and intimacy between me and Naomi Hiatt, the daughter of Benajah and Elizabeth Hiatt, first took rise; and that intimacy of feeling was never broken off, but continued until our marriage, in 1820." .- I was employed, I think, in the fall of 1817, to teach a school, which was my first effort in that business. The school was lively, and quite large enough as to numbers, and appeared to give satis- faction. In the spring of 1818, I undertook a school at New Garden for three months, which was prosecuted until near the close of the time, when, having an opportunity of the company of my friend Samuel Nixon, I set off with him on a journey to the western country, with the approbation of my father, having in view my own improvement and the prospect in future of emigration. We traveled together, passing through the western part of North Carolina and a part of Virginia, across the mountains, through Tennessee, Kentucky, into Indiana, crossing the Ohio at New Albany. We stopped a few days among relations and acquaint- ances near Salem, and I then proceeded to Whitewater alone, and Samuel Nixon came on soon afterward. I spent a few weeks with my brother and sister Syrnons, who resided near where Milford meeting-house now is, during which time various visiting and exploring excursions were made, which were interesting to me. One. not the least so, was a trip through the native wild woods, on our horses, about forty miles to the northwest, during which we fell in with the native Indians, and staid the night with an Indian woman in her hut, in a village of Delawares, on "White Kiver. We were out several days, and en- joyed good health. My friend Samuel Nixon and I remained together, and returned through the State of Ohio, by the way of Chillicothe and G-allipolis, where we crossed the Ohio Biver; thence up the Kanawha, by the salt works, and so on, up New Biver, until 18 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1820. we fell into the same road upon the mountains upon which we had gone out. 1 was absent from home about three months, and re- turned in improved health, greatly interested with the journey. After which I again engaged in teaching school at New Garden. On the 2d day of the Second-month, 1820, I was joined in mar- riage. This engagement was felt by us to be truly a solemn one ; and I may believe was entered into with solemn and prayerful feelings by both of us. After many years of experience, thought and observation, I am fully persuaded that marriage is a divine ordinance ; a state designed for man in the creation by the Creator himself, and, therefore, when rightly entered into, will contribute greatly to his comfort and happiness in this present life ; a state in which the parties, by obedience to duty, will be enabled to fulfill more perfectly the designs of their creation. We settled upon a farm near New Garden meeting-house ; and I carried on the business of the farm, in a small way, and was at times also engaged in a school. My dear and honored mother departed this life on the 10th day of the Tenth-month, 1820. In the First-month, 1821, our first child was born. Below is a statement of our children: Miriam Allinson, born First-month 9, 1821. Charles Fisher, born Fourth-month 3, 1823. William Hiatt, born Ninth-month 26, 1825. Eliphalet, born Eighth-month 25, 1828; died Fifth-month 5, 1831. Caroline Elizabeth, born Sixth-month 20, 1831. Mary, born Seventh-month 15, 1834. Hannah Amelia, born First-month 16, 1838. In the fall of 1822., I was appointed clerk of the Yearly Meeting of Friends in North Carolina, and my friend Zimri Stuart was ap- pointed assistant. On looking back, it now excites my wonder that two persons so young, and, as to myself, so much wanting in religious experience, should have been put into a station of so much importance. We were both ready writers, and quick and active minded, and I may believe well intended for good ; and I also be- lieve and have no doubt that we were helped and blessed by the Head of the Church, unworthy and inexperienced as I was, to do the service to a good degree of satisfaction to Friends. 1822.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 19 I can now remember, with feelings of shame and sorrow, some instances of giving way to light conduct, inconsistent with my pro- fession, and with the stations which I was called upon to fill, and unbecoming to that gravity, sobriety and weight which do belong to the true Christian character. It is probable that my weakness in that respect, was not extensively known among Friends ; and that some who did know something of it, were disposed to exercise much charity of feeling toward me. I have ever esteemed highly Christian cheerfulness, and a pleas- ant friendly course of conduct among those with whom we associate ; and this is the more to be valued, as being the effect of true Chris- tian love in our hearts toward our fellow-men. But at an early age, upon serious reflection, I was sensible of going too far in giv- ing way to lightness in conduct and words, and had some concern to improve in this respect. The following verses were composed upon arriving at my twentieth year of age, Eleventh-mo. 17, 1818. In looking back, 1 see that I Have been remiss in many ways, I pray that I may hence apply My heart more to virtue's sway. The jovial scenes of fleeting things, Light as the air, and vainer yet, Have carried hours upon their wings, And days whose loss I now regret. Through all the wanderings of my youth, My mind has been to walk the way, To fear the Lord, and love the Truth, And not with willful heart to stray. My Saviour's love has followed through And shown me, by his Spirit true, Compassion for my sins and faults, And drawn my mind his grace to view. The following are some reflections written in the forty- fourth year of his age, upon a review of the foregoing verses : 1. I wish to commemorate God's mercy, through Jesus Christ, in the gift of his Son, for man's salvation; for there is no other 20 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1823. name given under heaven, by which we can be saved; and through him, salvation is opened to all. 2. I wish to commemorate the gift of the Holy Spirit, by which I am convinced of sin. His adorable mercy in giving frequent evidence of pardon for transgressions, by the presence of His good Spirit in peace. 3. I wish to note my thanks for the enjoyment of the prospect and works of the Creation, in being admitted as a spectator; one of the means of introducing our souls into the consideration of the omnipotence, infinite wisdom, and glory of the Creator. 4. For the gift of general health; and of a sound, though deli- cate, constitution of body. 5. For the blessings of food and clothing, which He has been pleased to give me, in sufficient quantity. 6. For the blessing and enjoyment of a companion — a much-loved and faithful wife. 7. For the blessing and enjoyment of children. 8. For the blessing of a competence to make us comfortable to- gether. For all these, how can I be sufficiently thankful? 9. For the enjoyment of religious society, and of peace ; and a good degree of confidence in civil society. 10. May the blessings aforenamed be continued, and others granted as may be fit. The continuance of the favor and presence of God's Holy Spirit, particularly His reproofs for transgression and errors. Also a sense of approbation of what is pleasing. " Take not thy Holy Spirit from me." Blessings spiritual and temporal to each one of our family. 11. May I be enabled to improve the talents given me in a way pleasing to the Giver. 12. May the decline and close of my life be peaceful. 13. And may I reach and enjoy Heaven, when my existence here shall be closed. Richmond, Fifth-month, 1843. In the Fifth-month, 1823, I set off as companion to Jeremiah Hubbard, upon his religious visit through several of the northern and eastern States. We attended the Yearly Meeting in Virginia, 1833.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 21 and then went forward through Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York and New England to Newport and New Bedford. Thence to Nan- tucket; thence to Falmouth, Boston, Lynn and Salem. Return- ing, we came to Providence, thence to Hartford, Connecticut; thence to Nine Partners, New York; thence via Fishkill, Newburg and Quakertown to Philadelphia. Here I left Jeremiah, and returned home in time for our Yearly Meeting; and he attended the Yearly Meeting in Baltimore. In the next spring, I went with him through the eastern parts of North Carolina and Virginia to complete his prospect. These journeys were of great interest to me. My father's second marriage took place in the year 1822 with Catharine Macy. After my return from the first of the journeys aforenamed, we settled temporarily at Hopewell ; expecting to remove and settle in the western country; and I was engaged in a school at Hope- well. My wife's father, Benajah Hiatt, having also determined to re- move with his family, we set off together, leaving our native State in the Eighth-month, 1824. We were favored to reach the neigh- borhood of Milford, Indiana, in about four weeks, in which we set- tled ; and I took up a school in the village of Milton. My father also removed with his family in the year 1825. I was appointed clerk of Indiana Yearly Meeting in 1827. About this time there was much difficulty in the Society, which resulted in a separation. In the year 1828, Thomas Shillitoe attended. In the year 1829, I engaged in merchandise at Milton, in the retail way, in which business I continued at that place about four years. Having propositions from Griffin & Luckey, wholesale merchants in Cincinnati, I engaged in their store in 1833, and removed to that city with my family in the Seventh-month, having brought my store in Milton to a close. In the year 1832, in the spring, I went to Philadelphia and New York to buy goods, bearing Charles Osborn company as far as New York, as he was proceeding upon his relig- ious visit to Europe. I did well with the goods, but felt uncom- fortable under the debt which I was obliged to contract, in order to procure such amount as my business appeared to call for. This uncomfortable feeling at lying under debt, was probably one prin- cipal reason of my relinquishing the retail business, and taking a 22 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [18S3 station as clerk in the store of Griffin & Luckey, as above-stated. In the last-named station, I was enabled to live easy as to debt. I remained with them about a year and a half, during which time, with my previous experience in merchandise, I was enabled to ac- quire a fair knowledge of business and commerce. At the setting up of the Branch of the State Bank of Indiana, in 1834, I was chosen cashier at Richmond, and removed to that place with my family in the Eleventh-month. My dear sister, Rebekah White, departed this life during our residence at Cincinnati. In the station of cashier, as aforesaid, I remained a considerable number of years ; being now still engaged therein. My dear father made us several visits at Richmond after we set- tled there ; and we also visited him, at his home on Blue River. His decease took place in 1837, and he was buried in a grave-yard near G-reensborough, in Henry county, Indiana. Having proceeded thus far in giving some account of my grand- father's family ; of my father's family ; and of the events and ex- ercises of my early life, I may now suspend that part of the narra- tive and proceed with my notes. 1848.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 23 CHAPTER II. Visits to Monthly Meetings — First-day Schools — Visit to Baltimore — Cholera — Indiana Yearly Meeting. Eleventh-month 17 ', 1848. — lam this day fifty years of age ; I find my outward engagements rather too pressing upon me to be quite agreeable ; but I ought to acknowledge many favors, many ways, and to endeavor to be grateful for them. How could I desire to improve, in a spiritual sense, every succeeding day that I live ! 18th. — A very busy day in my office. I frequently fear that I shall be too much occupied with outward things for my spiritual good. Had some feeling of good, beyond what I thought myself worthy, more particularly toward the close of the day, and in the evening. 19th. — First-day. — A deep feeling rested upon my mind last night, in view of the great change which is hastening to end my earthly pilgrimage, with something like a fear that I am not well prepared for it. My prayers have been for a better preparation j and for some- thing of a soul-satisfying evidence of it, before my final departure. Letters from Waynesville last evening informed us that dear Khoda is somewhat more comfortable ; we feel very much for her and dear Charles — he is now at home with us. Meeting to-day ; considerable solemnity. In the perusal of Elijah Coffin's Diary, the memory of the flowing sympathy which his affectionate heart cherished toward each member of his family, will be revived in nu- merous instances. The preceding memorandum refers to an illness of many months' duration, of the wife of his son, Charles, who, during the winter of 1848, was with her mother at Waynes- ville, Ohio, under medical treatment. 21st. — Meeting of the school committee at "Whitewater school. Some of the Quarterly Meeting's branch committee in attendance, 24 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1848. About seventy scholars ; in good order. Occasion of some in terest. 22d. — Monthly Meeting — much business, and held late. Sev- eral of the Whitewater branch committee on education present. Eleventh-month 23-25. — Busy days. Dear Charles absent — gone to Waynesville. I have several times had to regret making some expression which might, in some degree, wound the feel- ings of another — I could much desire afterward I had not said it. Some feeling of good has attended me ; a favor for which I desire to be thankful. 26th. — First-day. — Our beloved friends Enos Gr. Pray and com- panion, in one company, and Sarah M. Hiatt and Deborah Pening- ton, and their companion, in another, attended. ' Enos is going to Whitelick and Spiceland, and Sarah is returning home. They were all three engaged in the ministry — a memorable time, it seems to me ; in which we have renewed evidence that the Divine favor has not left us, unworthy as we are. 29th. — Fourth-clay. — Our dear Charles being absent at Waynes- ville, I have been much engaged in my office for these last three days. Some disturbing occurrences, and a want of a more strict guard over myself on some occasions, have disturbed, in some measure, the harmony of this day. Our school at Whitewater is very large — the behavior of the scholars in meeting, in a general way, good — some exception was noticed to-day, and the public men- tion of it, it seemed to me, was not for the best. The evening read- ing in our family is kept up, to edification, I believe. My dear wife has been reading to us, David Sands' Journal, which is entertaining and instructive. I have just finished Jonathan Hutchinson's Let- ters (a very instructive book), and am now engaged in reading to myself, the Life of William Allen. Twelfth-month 1, 1848. — Sixth-day. — Our Quarterly Meeting of Ministers and Elders. The day being inclement, the meeting was small ; but not, it -seemed to me, destitute of some feeling of good. Very little business. Our dear Charles still being absent. I thought it best after meeting, to return to our office, for the relief of A. C. Blanchard, who so kindly officiated for me, so I was not present at the African committee or Bible auxiliary association, in both of which I have a lively interest. 2d. — Quarterly Meeting. Not so large, as at some times, but 1848.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 25 pretty quiet, and not so much business as we frequently have. Our dear friend Daniel Williams engaged in lively testimony, before business was opened. After the Yearly Meeting minutes had been gone through, a concern was opened for the removal of deficiencies among us ; and after consideration, the meeting came to the con- clusion to appoint a committee to visit the Monthly Meetings (a measure which was proposed upon the opening of the concern). Daniel "Williams, myself, Jacob Elliott, Mordecai Hiatt, Joel Gil- bert, Charles H. Moore, Margaret White, my dear wife, Abigail Morris, Leah Weesner, and Rebecca Clawson were appointed. The meeting closed under a good deal of solemnity. In the even- ing received a letter from our dear Charles ; the news is sad ; dear Rhoda is not considered better. Hope for her recovery begins to grow dim. 3d. — First-day. — Meeting not very large; but a good deal so- lemn. Much communication from D. W. and J. H. 6th. — Our dear Charles came home this morning. He reports dear Rhoda to be much in the same situation as awhile past, and fears to hope that she is permanently better. Our business en- gages us now very closely. A good Providence blesses me with more strength than I could well have expected, and with good health. May I consider the favor gratefully. 9th. — Seventh-day. — My dear wife and I left home early, accom- panied by Abijah Moffitt, to attend Westgrove Monthly Meeting, held at. Fairfield, with the committee of the Quarterly Meeting. — The roads are so muddy, and the weather so much unsettled, that I was much depressed with the prospect of endeavoring to get off; added to this, was a sense of my unworthiness and weakness and errors. But we were favored to get along well as to the outward, so as to arrive in good time. The meeting was not large ; all the committee were present, except Abigail Morris. During the pro- gress of the business, I was induced to speak to matters before the meeting, in which I afterward felt satisfaction. At the close of the business, the partition was opened, and the Yearly Meeting's minute on the state of Society was read. Some close and search- ing labor followed. I was induced once to speak so plain, that I was afraid after sitting down, but was fully seconded by dear Mar- garet White, and afterward, on a review, felt peace and satisfaction in this and other labors of the committee, and a hope that the 26 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1848. members of that meeting may be stirred up to more lively devo- tion, and greater diligence in spiritual things. It was very rainy in the afternoon, and our little company went after meeting to our kind friend Jonathan Baldwin's, where we staid during the night. 10th. — Setoff early homeward ; but coming to Noland's Fork, it was so swollen by the abundant rain of the preceding day, that we could not safely undertake to cross the stream ; and after con- siderable consultation we turned about and proceeded toward West- grove meeting, which we attended. My dear wife had some good service, I believe. We dined at Mark Elliott's; and in the after- noon visited the widow Elizabeth Cook and her family, and staid the night at Dillon Haworth's, at whose house we were very hospi- tably entertained. We had an interesting interview with the dear and interesting family at Scripture reading in the evening. After some time in silence, I addressed, first the young people and chil- dren in a simple way, and then the parents ; and had much peace on going to bed, under the feeling which attended. 11th. — We were very kindly conducted across the stream early in the morning, by our friend Dillon, and were favored to arrive safely at home about ten o'clock. On reviewing the proceedings of the two past days, feelings of peace and satisfaction, and a de- gree of thankfulness attended. I think I can say, I am glad we were there. 13th. — Our dear friend John Pool is very sick. 15th. — Our friend aforesaid continuing very sick, has requested an interview with the Ministers and Elders of our meeting, at his bed side. He seems to have no prospect of recovery. A very solemn interview was accordingly held — a time, I believe, not soon to be forgotten. I felt drawn to engage in vocal prayer ; and our hearts were much tendered together. Set off about two o'clock P. m., my dear wife and William Ken- worthy in company, toward Hopewell, to attend their Monthly Meeting to-morrow. We reached Margaret Morris' about ten in the evening, having had considerable difficulty in getting along the last of the way, on account of the darkness of the evening — but were very kindly received, and felt comforted. 16th. Early on the road to Hopewell — our friend Daniel Wil- liams and wife in company — we reached meeting in season, and had a solemn meeting, particularly toward the close. The commit- 1848.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. X? tee were mostly present, and their labors were, as I believe, search- ing and stirring, and, so far as I can judge, well received. Called in the evening and, staid the night at our friend Jacob Elliott's — several other Friends also being there — much to our satisfaction. 17th. — First-day. — Attended Westgrove meeting; dined at our friend John Maxwell's, very agreeably, and reached home in the evening. A feeling of thankfulness, 1 believe, attended us, upon thinking of the favors we had had, finding our dear family well, etc. John Pool considered no better; and Elizabeth, his wife, very ill. 18th. — Our dear Charles set off for Waynesville about noon. From the last accounts it would appear that his dear wife has not improved much, if any. Something like murmuring at cross or unpleasant circumstances has, at times, I believe, been an injury to me. Twelfth-month 19-23. — I have been closely engaged in my office this week. Called of evenings to see John and Elizabeth Pool — except the last two — prevented by indisposition. John better; Elizabeth's recovery is looked upon as doubtful. I attended meet- ing on Fourth-day, as usual. Arrangement was made for my dear wife to go to Milford Monthly Meeting, but failed : the streams high, and the roads very bad. I have been blessed with some feeling of good at many times during the past days. Our usual Scripture portion is read every morning — I have enjoyed it, the few days past. 24th — First-day. — Very inclement. My indisposition continu- ing, though better, it is thought best for me to remain about the house to-day. Copied the certificates of our dear friend Thomas Arnett on parchment, preparatory for going to Europe on his relig- ious visit. Some of my time spent in prayer and reading, alone. 25th. — Elizabeth Pool died this morning at about two o'clock. My dear wife was sent for in the evening, and was present at the closing scene. John is better. This is set down as the birth-day of our blessed Saviour. May I often think, with feelings of the deep- est gratitude, of what has been done for me, and for all mankind, in the great love and mercy of Grod, through Jesus Christ our blessed and only Saviour. The remembrance of his goodness is very frequently the subject of my thoughts. It is by the good gift and influence -of the Holy Spirit that I am made sensible of the 28 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1848. Lord's goodness and mercy ; what an inducement then, to pray earnestly for it, for I remember the promise that he will give to those that ask him. 26th. — The burial of Elizabeth Pool took place this afternoon — leaving the house at one o'clock. After the interment, a meeting was held, and considerable spoken in the ministry, by B. F. and J. H. 27th. — Monthly Meeting. Had much business, as usual. George W. Fisher received as a member. The Yearly Meeting's business reached us, and was disposed of in a satisfactory manner, but the reading of the minute on the state of Society was postponed until next meeting, when it is expected the Quarterly Meeting's commit- tee will be here. The London General Epistle was read, and is, as usual, very instructive and edifying. I remember, particularly, that part which proposes to us the solemn queries, whether we have experienced repentance and regeneration, producing that change of heart necessary to our sanctification ; a preparation required in or- der to the blessed enjoyment of heaven, and that part, though of a more outward nature, which upholds the Christian principle of the ultimate full settlement and payment of just debts, as ability to do so may be afforded, although, through failure, they may have been long delayed, and perhaps a legal release had. We hear that other members of the committee failed to reach Milford Monthly Meeting on account of high waters, etc.; we are, therefore, to look, I think, toward attending that meeting next month ; and, it has been already concluded, to endeavor to attend Springfield, Whitewater and Chester in next month. Twelfth-month 28-30. — Busy in my office. I acknowledge that I have been favored this week to experience a good deal of the feeling of good, which has greatly contributed to my comfort and enjoyment. Dear Charles is still absent. We hear rather more favorable accounts of dear Rhoda's condition. 31st. — Meeting. A beautiful day. The winter, thus far, has been very mild for this climate ; scarcely any very cold weather. As the year draws to its close, many considerations arise. How much have I improved in a religious sense during the year? How much more are my will and my passions subdued, and how much more am I devoted in heart to do my Heavenly Father's will con- cerning me ? I do, indeed, hope there is some improvement, not- 1848.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 29 withstanding my many short-comings and errors. that humil- ity, and the love of God may more and more possess my soul ! Many important things have occurred during the past year. The war of our government with Mexico has been brought to an end, a circumstance of sincere rejoicing to many Christian hearts. The treaty of peace gives us a vast addition of territory to our hereto- fore widely extended country. May it be for the best. There is to be an effort made to prevent slavery from existing in the newly- acquired territory ; and the friends of that measure seem now to have a majority in the House of Representatives in Congress. I ardently hope they may succeed. Within the last few months, it has been discovered, or come to be known, that large quantities of gold may be found on the Sac- ramento River, and in that region, about one hundred and fifty miles from San Francisco, in California. The knowledge of the fact has just become general; and much is now being said about it in this country. I hear that many adventurers from different parts are going, and preparing to go, in search of the precious metal, and the gains expected from its discovery. The mines are said to be rich. A circumstance which has deeply interested our feelings this year is the marriage of our dear daughter, Caroline Elizabeth, to Wil- liam H. Ladd, on the 24th of the Eighth-month, and her removal to Ohio soon afterward. We believe that the dear young people desired to be rightly directed in this momentous engagement, and they entered into it in a very solemn and satisfactory manner. It was truly affecting to us to part with our dear child from our little family circle, and to lose her much valued company and truly affectionate intercourse. But believing that marriage is a divine institution, and honorable in all, when rightly entered into, it is rather to be encouraged than opposed ; we therefore gave up our dear child, and our tender wishes went with her and her beloved husband, for their best welfare, present and future. It appears from accounts recently received that that awful scourge, the cholera, is undoubtedly upon the continent again; a few cases have occurred at New York ; we hear quoted an alarming report from New Orleans; and it is pretty well given up, at least by many, that a case, or a few cases, have occurred at Cincinnati. 30 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1849. First-month 1, 1849. — Very busy in my office, though with doors, closed ; our dear Charles being yet absent. 3d. — Meeting. Marriage of Dennis Kendall with Rebecca Jane Hill. They appear to be very young to enter into this solemn en- gagement, but have proceeded with full consent. May the Divine blessing attend them. I had, at their particular desire, prepared the certificate — Levi Jessup read it. B. C. Hobbs spoke at our last Preparative Meeting; and the second time, to-day, in the way of the ministry. 4-6th. — Exceedingly engaged in my office; dear Charles be- ing still absent. The good presence of the Lord has been with me many times this week, affording me some sweet enjoyment; yet I have been so much pressed with outward business, as to feel rather chafed by it, for the best. I ought to be greatly thankful for my excellent health through so much labor ; I have been very weary of evenings, but the blessing of good rest at night has re- freshed me, and renewed my strength and energy. My valued friend, A. C. Blanchard, has rendered me essential assistance in my office, during the absence of our dear son. Accounts received from Waynesville rather gloomy concerning dear Rhoda. Had interest- ing and truly cordial letters from our dear children, Miriam and Caroline, this week. It is very pleasant to hear that the former, and her dear family, are well. And from the latter, that her dear husband and herself have just got agreeably settled, to themselves, in their own new house. 7th. — First-day. — We were gladdened this morning by the re- turn home of our dear Charles — though he reports the condition of his dear wife to be much as it has been, without any certain im- provement. Meeting. Favored in some degree with the feeling of Divine love. After dinner, went to the boarding-school, and had an af- fectionate interview with the teachers, Lewis and Huldah A. Estes. Dear Lewis is, I fully believe, religiously engaged; I hear he some- times speaks in the religious meetings at the school. May the dear man be preserved and strengthened in the right way. Supped at table with the scholars — about forty -three in number — their conduct very good. 10th. — Meeting. Committee on the increase, etc., of our library at Whitewater. Staid part of the afternoon in the school* whicfe 1849.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 31 appears to be in very good order, under the administration of Wil- liam Haughton, as principal, and James W. Marmon, as assistant teacher. The scholars making good progress, I should think, in their studies. 13th. — Accounts from New Orleans represent that the cholera is abating there. It appears to have been most severe from about the 24th to the close of last month. About ninety are reported to have died on the worst days. By the last telegraphic reports, the num- ber of deaths daily has decreased to fifty or under. Several cases have occurred at Cincinnati ; but it does not seem to rage there yet as an epidemic. In reviewing the past week, I am sensible of some errors, which have given, and do give me, pain; yet favors have attended me, for which I desire to have a grateful heart. My prayer is, that I may improve, and with the help of Divine grace, make greater advance- ment in the subjugation of myself, and in bearing as I ought to do my infirmities. 11th. — A silent meeting. I believe the feeling of good, and a good deal of solemnity attended. First-month 15. — Jared Patterson came into town, on his way to perform a visit to some of our eastern quarterlies : Anna Thornburgh and companions also in company. Jared desired to have a meeting in town for the citizens; so, after some consultation, it was agreed to apply for the use of the Methodist meeting-house, which was done, and the house obtained, and notice of the meeting circulated to be held at six o'clock this evening. While we were at dinner, our dear sister, Anna Unthank, came in, together with her son Morde- cai, and his wife, Eliza Jane (recently married). We are glad to see our relatives. 16th. — The meeting was held last evening, and, though not very large, was in a good degree satisfactory. Jared and Anna both spoke in the ministry, and a part of the time, it seemed to me the gospel triumphed over the assembly, in which there was much so- lemnity. The meeting parted very seriously, and I think in much good feeling. Our relations staid with us last night, and left us to- day to go to James Cockayne's. I have felt great sympathy for the dear young pair, who are newly setting out for themselves ; and some serious remarks to them on some important subjects, appeared to be well received. 32 LIFE OP ELIJAH COFFIN. [1849. Visited Whitewater school in the afternoon with the committee, and was interested. The committee adopted a report to the Monthly Meeting. 17th — Preparative Meeting. Finished a letter to Josiah Foster. 20th. — Springfield Monthly Meeting, which I and my dear wife attended, with others of the committee. We had solid icy roads, and went from our home in the morning. The meeting was small; yet some feeling of good was experienced in a portion of the time. 21st. — Set off early from our cousin Barnabas Coffin's, at whose house we had been kindly entertained; got our carriage tongue broke, by the fall of one of our horses upon the road, and yet were favored to reach Dover meeting seasonably — which was small. We dined at our friend Walter Robert's, and before parting had an interesting interview with the family of young people, his daughters and the husband of one of them. Reached home in the evening, peace- fully. 23d. — Acting committee at the boarding-school. Had an inter- esting interview with the scholars in the afternoon. I addressed them, much to my satisfaction and peace. 24th. — Monthly Meeting. All but one of the committee present. Our dear friend Benjamin Fulghum opened a concern to visit West Branch and New Garden Quarterly Meetings, and some subordinate meetings, and to appoint a meeting at Newport, which was freely and fully united with, and he encouraged to attend to it. Our friend John Pool offered to go with him, and was united with. The committee had some searching and, I hope, useful service toward the close. Many interesting matters were before the meet- ing to-day. 25th. — High water. I was much hurried with different concerns and under discouragement this morning; but got off, low in mind, to Chester Monthly Meeting; my dear wife with me. The meeting was small, and was very low in mind during the forepart of it. The committee had some excellent and appropriate service, and the meeting closed under a sense of Divine favor. First-month 26. — Arose very low and depressed. The waters are high, and to-morrow is Milford Monthly Meeting, which we have agreed *to endeavor to attend. Set forward in the afternoon with other friends, but were stopped at Greensfork, it being considered 1849.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 33 too high for our carriage. Found a comfortable entertainment at Thomas Marlat's, near by. 27th. — Crossed the creek, and went forward to meeting. Part of our committee did not get along. Some of us had affecting and deeply important labor, which seemed to be well received ; and the meeting closed under a sense of favor, and we were induced to be- lieve that it was best for us to be there. After a short visit to our dear aged mother, we went to our friend Charles H. Moore's, and staid the night. He has lately appeared in the ministry, and my heart is much united with him. 28th. — First-day. — We set off early, and reached our own dear home just in time to get to our own meeting. There is cause for gratitude to the Father of mercies and the Glod of all comfort, on looking back at the exercises, the labors and favors of the past week. This work of visiting the Monthly Meetings has been truly a weighty service; but we have been helped in it, and there is good reason to believe that the labors may and will be useful to many. Our dear Charles set off very soon after dinner to Waynesville ; the accounts received from his dear wife are not favorable; we feel exceedingly with them, and so does a large circle of their friends and acquaintances. 30th. — Harvey Derbyshire and wife, Susanna, arrived here this afternoon ; Jesse Hoover and Rebecca, his wife, with them, from West Branch. All staid at our house. 31st. — Fourth-day. — At meeting to-day, after sitting some time in silence, Harvey spoke. It seemed to me that the good Spirit was with him. He is to go to Orange to-morrow; Smyrna, next day; and Chester on Seventh-day. Second-month 2, 1849. — This is the day on which my dear wife and I were united in marriage, at New Garden, in North Carolina, in the year 1820, now twenty-nine years ago. This was a move- ment so deeply interesting to both of us, and so momentous in its consequences as connected with our happiness in this present life, that it comes into my mind very frequently at other times in the year, when the date is brought into view. I have ever regarded our matrimonial connection as one of Divine ordering ; have ever esteemed marriage as honorable in all, when rightly entered into; and many have been my grateful feelings that a good Providence 34 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1849. brought us together. I have ever looked upon the gift to me to be one of those precious blessings for which I ought ever to be thankful. The day passed away in a good degree of comfort, and the evening was spent, in part, as part of many others lately have been, in hearing my dear Naomi read in the Memoirs of Maria Fox. It seems to me that some of the experience related in that journal, which was read this evening, is exactly my own. 4th. — My dear wife and I went to the boarding-school to-day (First-day). We were at part of the morning reading in the boys' room; at the Meeting for Worship at eleven o'clock; and at the Scripture reading and recitations at two o'clock. I was placed at the head of the meeting, and felt the responsibility of such a situa- tion. Bear Lewis A. Estes appeared in supplication, and my dear Naomi afterward spoke. Dined with the family. Returned home about four o'clock P. m., and in the evening we read together, as usual ; my dear wife read a portion in the Memoirs of Maria Fox, a truly instructive book; and I read a portion in the Life of William Allen, in which I am also much interested. Accounts from Waynesville sad. • Our dear Hhoda does not appear to mend as yet. I look back, with feelings of quietness and some satisfaction, to our visit at Milford Monthly Meeting. I was much tendered, and broken into profuse weeping; and after the partition was opened, I addressed the meeting on the awful subject of the general day of account. I felt it to be an awful subject, particularly for me, to speak upon. I was deeply affected, and the meeting appeared very serious. May the exercises be useful to me, particularly, as well as others. 6th. — Our dear Charles came in unexpectedly to-day, and brings us a better account from his dear afflicted wife, which we are all truly glad to hear. 9th. — Finished a letter to John Allen, of England. I remember this dear friend with great affection. 10th. — Wrote to Eli Jones and Sybil, his wife, at*South China, Maine. These beloved Friends attended our Yearly Meeting, and made their home at our house, in 1845. I first became acquainted with them at the Yearly Meeting in Ohio, that year. This week has been rather a quiet week. Our office business 1849.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 35 has not pressed us so closely as at some other times before now; and I ought to be grateful for the feeling of good which has attended us. 13th. — School committee, and at school at Whitewater in the afternoon. Matters appear to be going on pretty agreeably. William Haughton, principal, and James W. Marmon, assistant, teachers. 14th. — Meeting. Conference of Elders after meeting. There has been much uneasiness about too much speaking in our meet- ings ; and the party has now been fully admonished, and I am thankful that it has been done, through Divine favor, in a spirit not to hurt, I believe. Second-tnonth 15. — Cold, two degrees below zero, this morning. We have not noticed it to be lower than about five degrees above before, this winter. The winter has, upon the whole, been rather mild. We hear good account of our dear Rhoda at Waynesville, and of our dear Miriam at Cincinnati, who has also been much in- disposed. It is cause of rejoicing and gratefulness that they are better. 16th. — Mercury one degree below zero this morning. Some of the remarks of Eliphaz, in the fourth and fifth chapters of the Book of Job, which we read this morning, seem to me remarkable. May I not take instruction from the third, fourth and fifth verses of the fourth chapter? A large part of the fifth chapter is sublime. 18th. — First-day. — Harvey Derbyshire and wife attended our meeting. Since being here before, they have been at most of the meetings in Chester and Springfield Monthly Meetings, and in New Garden Quarterly. Harvey gave us an affecting account of his religious experience, and spoke otherwise appropriately for our benefit. What a blessing it is, from the good Hand, that we are still visited with the message of the gospel. His mercy and good- ness herein should increase our zeal for his name, and our weak desires after greater dedication to become fully his servants. Dear Charles set off, soon after dinner, to Waynesville. 19th. — Cold. Mercury five degrees below zero at half past seven o'clock. 21st, — Fourth-day. — Preparative Meeting. Select Preparative Meeting. Harvey Derbyshire in attendance. In the select Pre- parative Meeting, I felt most easy to propose that our beloved 36 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1849. friend W. K. be appointed to the station of an Elder, which was united with by nearly every one present; and his name is for- warded. 24th. — Received a sad telegraphic message, announcing to us the decease of James Parnell Rambo, aged about fifteen months, youngest son of our dear children, Wm. A. and Miriam A. Rambo, near Cincinnati. His funeral is to be on the 25th. We feel deeply for the affliction of our dear children, in the loss of this interest- ing little boy. But the dear child, though precious to his dear parents and to us, is taken away by a good and wise Providence, in whom we ought to have full confidence, from a world of many temptations and tribulations, in a state of innocency, to be an in- habitant of that glorious world where temptation, sin, sorrow and misery are unknown ; ought we not, then, rather to rejoice in that he is mercifully delivered from many evils to come? 25th. — First-day. — Some excellent testimony in the early part of the meeting to-day; but a very painful season toward the close. Our friend H. D. present. Wrote to our dear children at Cincin- nati. Favorable accounts from our dear children at Waynesville, for which we ought to be grateful. Second-month 27. — Dear Charles came home to-day; his precious wife not quite so well. 28th. — Monthly Meeting. I thought it right to expose to the meeting that I felt some impressions of religious concern to visit, in the love of the Truth, for their help and encouragement in a Christian life, some young families, members of the meeting, and some single young persons. Friends very generally united with the concern, and encouraged me, which was humbling ; and my dearly loved friends, Benjamin Fulghum and Levi Jessup, each expressed an engagement to unite with me in the service, which was also united with, and was cordial to me, and minutes were made out expressive of our case, desiring us to report. My dear wife afterward came in, and opened a concern to visit, in gospel love, the families of Friends belonging to Whitewater and Milford Monthly Meetings, which was fully united with, and a minute made, so expressing it. Third-month 2 and 3. — Quarterly Meeting, which I and my dear wife attended. Roads exceedingly bad. Meeting small, but some 1849.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 37 favor attended. TVe reached the meeting at the boarding-school, upon our return, First-day morning, 4th. 10th. — I and my dear friends aforenamed have, during the past week, visited several families, in prosecution of our concern. Though at times in the feeling of much weakness, yet we must acknowledge that we have been helped. May we be favored to keep low, and to do what we do in the simplicity of an honest and faithful heart. AVe have been very kindly received in nearly all cases, so far. 17th. — Closely engaged this week in my office. Charles gone to Waynesville. 24th. — Visited this week several young families and young per- sons, in prosecution of our concern. My dear wife went toward Milford yesterday. To-day their Monthly Meeting is held, in which her concern is to be opened. 25th. — Started soon after breakfast to Smyrna; Benjamin and Levi with me. Meeting sat at half past nine o'clock; was small, but some favor attended. In the afternoon, we had some service in our visit, and returned home in the evening, in feelings of vac- knowledgment for the favors which had been with us. Met my dear wife at home, she having reached our meeting this morning. Milford Monthly Meeting united with her concern, and appointed a committee to assist her. Dear Margaret TYhije has been looked to as having a like concern, and as disposed to join my dear wife in the service; but she (M. TV.) is sick, and at present unable, but she sent her concern to join in visiting the families of Milford to that Monthly Meeting, which was united with. Third-month 26. — Attended further to our service with the young people. 27th. — Acting committee of boarding-school, which I attended. Things went on pretty well. Twenty-three boys and seven girls in school. Mary (rough has just taken her place as teacher of the girls. B. C. and R. T. Hobbs have been continued superintendents for the present session, just commenoed. 28th. — -Monthly Meeting. TVe made our report concerning our visit to the young people. In the men's meeting much satisfaction was expressed, and some in the women's. A committee on First- day schools was appointed. My dear wife commenced her labors this afternoon ; William Kenworthy and Grulielnia Henley are her companions. 38 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1849. In reviewing our visit to the young people, I feel a substantial satisfaction. I believe we were favored to attend to our concern in'a good degree of simplicity ; for this we ought to be humbly grateful. I think we have been made sensible that of ourselves we could do nothing which could be serviceable in promoting the great and good cause of Truth ; for all right movements in this cause, we must be favored with Divine ability. We visited about fifteen families of young persons, and from fifteen to twenty individuals beside ; and distributed several copies of the Scriptures. As the service has been humbling, may it result in the permanent improvement of our own hearts, and increase our willingness to surrender ourselves more fully to obedience to our Heavenly Creator; and to faithful- ness in small intimations of duty even in small things, which we have been much engaged to recommend to others. Felt very low in the evening. Committee on the library at Whitewater met. Grot along well. 29th. — My dear wife out upon her concern. I am much depressed in spirit. Fourth-month 1, 1849. — First-day. — Our committee on First-day schools stopped together after the rise of our meeting. A pretty good feeling appeared to prevail. Agreed to open the school at Whitewater two w^eks from to-day. Selected teachers, etc. 5th. — My dear wife still absent on her visit. We were made sad this afternoon by a telegraphic message from Waynesville, that dear Charles' dear boy is very ill. Charles set off about four o'clock p. M., on horseback. 9th. — We hear more favorable accounts from our dear children at Waynesville. My dear wife came in this morning from Smyrna ; she has now nearly completed all her visits to the families of our Monthly Meeting. Rebecca Clawson has been her companion to the families at Smyrna. 11th. — Fourth-day. — My dear wife and friend, Wm. Kenworthy, set off about three o'clock p. m., for Milford, expecting to visit the families of Friends of that Monthly Meeting. They expect to be joined by our dear friend, Margaret White. Received a telegraphic message from Dayton, that our dear children, Charles and Rhoda, little Elijah, and Phebe Johnson, are on their way from Waynes- ville homeward. We rejoice to know that she is able for the journey. 1849.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 39 12th. — About four o'clock P. M., the company alluded to above, arrived in safety. Dear Rhoda seems quite as well as we could ex- pect. We are truly glad to see them ; a feeling of thankfulness has run through my heart, that they are favored to return to us once more ; and a ray of hope that dear Rhoda may yet recover. 14th. — My dear wife returned from Milford, unexpectedly, Mar- garet White's health not being sufficient to the prosecution of the concern at this time, though they have visited several families. Fourth-month 15. — First-day. — Opened our First-day Scripture school, to pretty good satisfaction. About thirty present. 20th. — I and my wife set off together to Cincinnati, in the omni- bus; I, on business; she, to visit our children there. Arrived safely in the evening. She went to W. A. R's next morning, and I about my business. 21st. — Much engaged in business. Went to W. A. R's in the afternoon. 24th. — Returned home. Found all well. We ought to be thankful for the favors that have attended us. 27th. — Funeral of Jonathan Homey. Meeting afterward. 28th. — My dear wife, accompanied by William Kenworthy and Rebecca Clawson, set off for Milford Monthly Meeting early. She has a prospect of going through her visit with this company. The health of dear Margaret still continuing unsuitable to the service. Fifth-month 5. — Seventh-day. — My dear wife and her company returned this evening from their visit. She appears well, and we were very glad to see them. Fifth-month 12. — Busily engaged in my office during the past week. Went to the boarding-school yesterday afternoon- — about fifty scholars — appear to be orderly and doing well. Mary Gough is now engaged as teacher in the girls' department. Spring appears now to^be fairly opened. The meadows and pas- tures are very beautiful, and the trees are mostly out. " The time of, the singing of birds has come." The farmers have mostly planted their corn. Although we had a sharp frost awhile 'past, yet there is a prospect of considerable fruit. Our pleasant yard at home frequently makes me think of Paradise. Surely we are blessed as to outward things. May we be thoughtful and grateful. We hear of considerable cholera in Cincinnati. A large number of persons has gone forward to California, 40 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1849. attracted by the prospect of large gain, on account of the discovery of the gold mines. Fifth-month 25. — Since the last date I have been busily engaged in my office, and in various other concerns. Some of the time feeble in body, and much depressed in spirit. On the 22d attended the acting committee of the boarding-school. It seemed best to employ Huldah Estes, to take the place of teacher again, in the girls' department. On the 23d, was our Monthly Meeting, a day of deep interest. There is a spirit of difficulty and opposition among us which made open appearance to-day. But I believed that truth triumphed ; the honor and the praise to Glod only, be ascribed. Our dear friend, William Kenworthy, was appointed to the station of Elder. 27th. — First-day. — Our First-day Scripture school goes on well; we had over forty to-day. 30th. — The committee on the division of the Yearly Meeting met to-day. After considerable discussion, the committee came to the conclusion to report that no way opens to move in the case at present. 31st. — Meeting; for Sufferings. Sixth-month 1. — Meeting for Sufferings. General boarding- school committee. Select Quarterly Meeting. We have several valuable Friends here with us, with minutes — Thomas Wells, William Pearson, Thomas Jay. I thought myself not well able to attend the African committee, and Bible association in the afternoon. 2d. — Education committee at nine o'clock A. M. Quarterly Meet- ing. A very large meeting ; many valuable Friends from other quarters with us. 3d. — First-day. — School at nine o'clock, meeting at eleven o'clock. Thomas Wells had an appointed Youth's Meeting, at four o'clock p. m., which William Pearson and Thomas Jay attended. Seven hundred and ten copies of Evans' Exposition sent out to my care, have been sold to agents in various parts of our Yearly Meeting, within the last few days. Sixth-month 10. — Engaged in my ordinary occupations during the past week. There is a good deal of cholera in Cincinnati. We are blessed with pretty good health at home, but we hear of afflic- 1849.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 41 tion in the family of our dear children, W. A. and M. A. R., near that city. 17th. — First-day. — H. D. has returned. We had a painful meeting. 26th. — Having been appointed by our last Yearly Meeting one of a committee to meet in conference with like committees of other Yearly Meetings at Baltimore, on Second-day, the 9th of Seventh- month 1849, the subject has been weightily upon my mind for a considerable time. The fearful prevalence of the cholera at Cin- cinnati, the prospect that it may soon be here, my own feebleness of body, the stripped condition in which we must leave our dear girls, Mary and Hannah, the burdens that must come upon my dear Charles, in consequence of my absence, and, perhaps, many other causes, appear to discourage me; besides, I have very little, if any, sense of any advantage to Society, which can result from my attend- ance. I must, however, leave that, and after fully considering and reconsidering, I think I shall feel most in my duty, and most easy, to give up to set off; and endeavor to be resigned as to the result. My dear wife concludes to accompany me as far as William H. Ladd's, near Richmond, Ohio ; and our valued young friend, Jesse J. Kenworthy, also kindly concludes to bear us company. So our little party parted affectionately from our dear relatives and friends at home, and about ten o'clock A. M., set forward in our own carriage, feeling low and tender, but peaceful. Staid near Dayton, the first night. The cholera is prevailing considerably at Dayton. 27th. — Dined at Springfield, and wrote home. Reached Lafay- ette in the evening. 28th. — To Columbus to dinner. We visited the State prison, and were deeply interested. Went forward after dinner to Luray. 29th.— To New Concord. 30th. — Through Guernsey county, to near Cadiz. Seventh-month 1. — First-day. — Passed Cadiz in the morning, and reached Smithfield meeting. To Benjamin W. Ladd's to dinner ; we found him very ill. To Wm. H. Ladd's in the afternoon ; found our dear children well, and we were rejoiced to meet them. 4th. — Parted from my dear wife and children, and proceeded in our carriage, Robert Talbot kindly going in company with J. J. K. and me, on my way to Baltimore. Passed Steubenville and crossed the 4 42 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1849. Ohio at Wellsburgh ; thence to Washington, Pa. We have trav- eled through an interesting country to-day. The narrow part of Virginia through which we passed, is- about six miles wide ; we dined about the middle of the day, at an agreeable place. There is a fine view of Washington and vicinity from the cupola of the court-house, into which we went. The town appears to stand in a kind of basin, the hills appearing to be higher than the street nearly all around. 5th. — In the morning we went forward about nineteen miles, to Jonathan Knight's, at whose house we were very kindly received. After dinner, Robert Talbot returned homeward with our carriage and horses, and J. K. and son (J. K , jr.) politely took us in a carriage to Jesse Kenworthy's, passing, in our way, Westland meeting-house. We were kindly received at J. K's, and after stay- ing two hours or more, and taking supper, Jesse kindly went and took us in his carriage to Brownsville, to Dr. Stanley's, where we staid together. 6th. — Early in the morning we took the coach for Cumberland, passing an interesting country twelve miles to Uniontown; thence about four miles to the beginning of the ascent up the mountains. We had a most interesting prospect to the west as we ascended. The ascent up Laurel Hill, the first ridge, is said to be three miles We dined in the valley of the Youghiogheny, and did not reach Cumberland until about twelve o'clock midnight, having been eight- een hours crossing the entire mountains. Very tired. 7th. — Arose refreshed, and after breakfast went to the railroad cars at eight o'clock A. m., and were carried thence, railroad speed, toward Baltimore. We took a hasty dinner at Harper's Ferry, a place of much interest, if time had permitted us to examine, and arrived at Baltimore about five o'clock p. M., one hundred and seventy-five miles, and were kindly received and taken home by our dear friend, Hugh Balderston, at whose house I made my home during my stay in the city. Seventh-month 8. — First-day. — Last evening and this morning I have met with most of the dear Friends who are in attendance here from the several Yearly Meetings on committees of conference. Meeting at ten o'clock A. M. An interesting meeting. Our friend Richard Mott of New York spoke at considerable length in 1849.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 43 the ministry, to the purpose, I believe ; beginning with the text : " And the Lord shut him in." — Gen. vii, 16. Meeting at four o'clock p. m. Went to Dorothy Hopkins' to tea. Present, our dear friends, Richard Mott, John Meader and his wife Elizabeth, and others. 9th. — Second-day. — This day, at ten o'clock A. M., our several committees of conference met together at Friends' meeting-house, in Baltimore. The meeting was very solemn, and I believe all the members felt low and humble, greatly desiring preservation and right direction. Richard Mott offered prayer. After a suitable time of silence, business was proposed. I was appointed clerk for the day, and the meeting was fairly opened by reading the several minutes of appointment, and calling the names. The following Friends were present: From New York — Richard Mott, Thomas Willis, Henry Rowntree, Richard Carpenter, Wil- liam F. Mott, Samuel F. Mott, James Brown and James Congdon (three of their committee not here). From New England — Row- land Greene, John Osborne, John D. Lang, Stephen A. Chase, David Buffum, Samuel Boyd Tobey, John Meader, Samuel Taylor, jr., and Samuel Boyce. From Indiana — George Carter, Elijah Coffin, Thomas Evans, Eleazar Bales and Henry Wilson (four of our committee not here). From Baltimore — Hugh Baiderston, P Richard H. Thomas, Samuel Worthington, Joseph King, jr., Na- thaniel C. Crenshaw, Jonah Sands, William A^Thomas, John Scott, Isaac Brooks and Joel Cook {J. C. did not arrive until next morn- ing). From North [Carolina — Aaron Stalker, Thomas Kennedy, James Peelle, Richard Mendenhall, Nereus Mendenhall and Joshua Stanley. Our dear friends, Benjamin Seebohm and Robert Lind- say, from England, being in the city, and having come here under religious concern to attend the conference, and the subject being made known, it was agreed that they should be admitted. After some discussion, and the appointment of a committee to propose a slerk, the conference adjourned until four o'clock p. M. At the meeting in the afternoon, our dear friends aforenamed, attended, and their company is expected hereafter. I was appointed clerk. After considerable discussion, on various interesting subjects, a committee was appointed to take them more fully into consideration, and the conference adjourned until ten o'clock to-morrow morning. 10th.— A report was received this morning, which brought the 44 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1849. state of Society plainly to view. After much communication, a committee was appointed to prepare a document to be submitted with our report to the Yearly Meetings, respectively, which ap- pointed us. 11th. — Much engaged in preparing the document. 12th. — In the afternoon to-day, the document was adopted; also a form of report, with entire unanimity. Jesse Kenworthy went to Washington on Third-day, and came back in the evening, much gratified with the visit. To-day he left for Philadelphia, intending to go thence via New York and Albany to Buffalo, thence by lake to Cleveland, and thence by coach to meet me at Eichmond, Ohio. After the rise of the conference, which closed in great solem- nity, and much brotherly affection of the members toward one an- other, we parted, and several Friends set off homeward by the even- ing trains. 13th. — Sixth-day.— -Took an affectionate leave of my dear friends of Hugh Balderston's family — he kindly went with me to the cars for Cumberland ; and after I had paid my passage, and taken my seat, I was made glad by the appearance of my friends, George Carter, Thomas Evans, Eleazar Bales and Henry Wilson, who had been thinking of returning via New York, but had finally decided to take the same route with myself, across the mountains. The cars moved forward at about a quarter past seven o'clock A. M. We took some refreshment, hastily, at Harper's Ferry, and arrived at Cum- berland about five o'clock p. m. Here we took the coaches, and were favored to get well across the mountains to Uniontown by about seven o'clock next morning. We made no stops except for refreshments and changes, until we arrived at Wheeling, a little before eight o'clock p. m. in the evening of the 14th. Seventh-month 15. — First-day. — I am much refreshed this morn- ing by the rest which I got last night. George and Thomas went forward, before ten last evening, in the coaches. After breakfast, Eleazar and Henry and I retired awhile in my room, and read to- gether from the Psalms. About ten o'clock A. M. they went aboard a boat for Cincinnati, and I was left alone. I wrote home to my dear children, and spent the afternoon in a feeling of much loneliness. 16th. — Left Wheeling, at eight this morning, in a small boat for Steubenville, at which place we arrived between two and three o'clock 1849.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 45 P. M., and I hired a carriage to take me to William H. Ladd's. I was, indeed, truly rejoiced to meet my beloved wife, and our dear Wil- liam and Caroline, well ; and felt that I have cause of gratefulness to the good Giver of all good things, that I have been enabled to per- form this journey so far, with so much comfort, and in the enjoy- ment of so many blessings. We have received accounts from our dear children at home, uniformly giving us favorable intelligence of their getting along well in our absence. The cholera continues truly awful at Cincinnati; Dayton has also suffered much; and I understand from Charles that in the little town of Boston, it has been very severe. Several cases have occurred in Richmond ; so we may conclude it is now fairly there. 17th. — This afternoon we went to our beloved friend Benjamin W. Ladd's. He has been very ill for some time past, but we were glad to find him better, though he is not able to set up much yet. 18th. — We attended Smithfield meeting to-day. The meeting was not large. In the afternoon we went to Doctor William S. Bates', where we had an agreeable visit. After supper we called at William Price's for a short time. 19th. — Returned and attended Cross-creek meeting. It was Preparative Meeting both at Smithfield and this place. 20th. — At Henry Crew's, in Richmond, to supper. 21st. — At James D. Ladd's to supper. We were very glad to see our dear young friend Jesse J. Kenworthy come in during the evening to join us. He reports that he has had a prosperous and agreeable journey, and seems well pleased. 22d. — First-day. — Attended Cross-creek meeting for the last time. After dining with our dear children, we set out for Cadiz. We feel anxious about home, on account of the sickness around. Staid the night at Cadiz. 23d. — Reached the National road, at Cambridge, and went on five miles west. 24th. — To Hebron. 25th. — Reached Columbus about two P. M. Over one hundred prisoners have died of cholera, since we visited the State prison. We stopped only at the post-office, at which we received a letter from our dear Charles, giving us a good account of our own dear family, but there is much sickness in town of cholera. 26th. — Staid at Lafayette last night. Stopped for dinner at Jer- emiah Warder's, near Springfield; thence to a tavern near Dayton. 46 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1849. 27th. — In the morning, heard at Dayton of the illness of our dear Charles at home. We were favored to. reach home this evening, greatly rejoiced to meet our dear children and friends again, and thankful for the many favors which have attended us in our late journey. Our dear Charles is confined; and dear Hannah is not well; hut neither is dangerous, we believe. The sickness here is truly awful; yet the cases of death are few, in proportion to the number sick. 28th. — My dear sister Hannah Symons was taken very ill last eight. Her case may be considered critical. To-day, Doctor James W. Marmon was seized with cholera at eight or nine A. M., and died about four P. M. There are now so many sick that the physicians appear to be almost worn out with attention. 29th. — First-day. — Funeral of James W. Marmon at ten this morning. Meeting. Eighth-month 4, 1849. — The'cholera is considered to be sensibly abating; yet, there are many cases of sickness. It has greatly abated in Cincinnati. 5th. — First-day. — Gulielma Parry (wife of Mordecai), died to- day. Meeting. 10th. — Samuel Test, jr., died to-day of cholera; a valuable mem- ber. We feel his loss much. 11th. — Funeral about ten o'clock; and meeting afterward. 13th. — A letter is received, this morning, from our dear William H. Ladd, giving us information that our dear Caroline was confined on the 8th instant, having given birth to a daughter, and that she is doing well. Our feelings are greatly interested for her. 15th.— -Joshua Bailey Hunnicutt was buried this morning. 16th. — Samuel Charles died this afternoon, about four. Gathered home, we have reason to hope, in a good old age. Two days past, there seemed to be a decided decrease of cholera r to-day it appears to be worse. Good accounts received from our dear children at Cincinnati, and also from those near Richmond, Ohio; our dear Caroline seems to- be doing well. Eighth-month 17. — Last night Jane Morrison (wife of Robert) r died of apoplexy. 1849.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 47 I have received very acceptable letters from my dear friends Hugh Balderston, of Baltimore, and Richard Mott, of New York. 23d. — Sickness seems in general better; yet there is much afflic- tion in the family at Thomas Symons'. My sister Hannah con- tinues very weak and low; and John and Rebecca Thistlethwaite are both very ill of cholera, yet, I hope, in the way of recovery. I set off this morning in the omnibus for Cincinnati on the busi- ness of the bank. 2-4th. — In Cincinnati ; and on the 25th until two P. M., then came out to Hamilton. Last night I staid at W. A. Rambo's. Our dear children are well as usual; and the health of the city is now con- sidered to be good, the cholera having almost left it. It was very awful at its worst; one hundred and thirty-seven deaths in one day is reported as the highest number; the whole number of deaths from cholera, in about six weeks, amounted, according to the reports, to upward of four thousand. 25th. — First-day. — Being weary last evening, I rested very com- fortably at Hamilton until two P. M., to-day, and am much refreshed. I have passed the time mostly in my room, and partly in reading. Besides the Scriptures, I have with me Lynch's Expedition to the River Jordan and the Dead Sea, which I am reading with much interest. I was favored to arrive safely at home in the evening, and to find my dear family well as I could expect; which is cause of grateful- ness to the good Giver of all good things. 26th. — Visited my dear sister Hannah in the morning; I am much affected at her low condition of health and strength; she in- forms me that she has not been able to take nutriment for five days past. She seems sweet spirited and resigned; which is comforting. 28th. — Third-day. — Meeting of the acting committee of the boarding-school. The school was suspended, about a month ago, on account of the cholera in the vicinity, and all the scholars went away, except one or two. B. C. Hobbs and Rebecca, his wife, have just retired from the superintendency, and Thomas Hill and Tamar, his wife, have come in and taken their station in that capacity. Our meeting to-day was in good degree agreeable. Lewis A. Estes and Huldah, his wife, have gone to New England on a visit. My sister H. seems somewhat more comfortable to-day. Sarah Williams, wife of Richard, sen., died of cholera to-day 48 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1849. about ten A. m. She was first found to be ill last evening about five p. m. Eighth-month 29. — Elizabeth Rambo, wife of Nathan, died this morning about three A. M. of cholera"; she has been very ill for more than a week. William A. Rambo is here from Cincinnati. We hear of several cases of small pox in town to-day. There appears to be very few of cholera. Funeral of Sarah Williams at ten A. M. Meeting. Sister H. decidedly more comfortable. 30th. — One death of small pox in town last night. Funeral of Elizabeth Rambo at ten A. M. Funeral of Hannah Marmon, widow of James W. Marmon, at half past three. She died, after a lingering illness, last evening, about seven o'clock. 31st. — Myself and wife, and our valued friends William Ken- worthy and Benjamin Fulghum, set uff together early this morning to Milford, to attend our Quarterly Meeting. Meeting for Ministers and Elders at eleven ; African committee at two; auxilliary Bible association at three. The exercises of the day were in good degree satisfactory. Ninth-month 1, 1849. — Seventh-day. — Was engaged last evening, and early this morning, on the subject of preparing a memorial of our honored father, Benajah Hiatt. Made some progress as to materials. Education meeting at nine — satisfactory and encouraging. The cause appears to have advanced much since our present organization of the education committee began fairly to operate. Several good schools are now. kept up much of the time in the limits of our Quarterly Meeting, and the scale and tone of education has greatly advanced. Besides the lower branches, grammar, geography, phi- losophy, chemistry, and several branches of the mathematics are now taught in several of the schools. Quarterly Meeting at eleven o'clock A. M. A solemn, favored meeting, in which there was much religious communication, doc- trinal and practical. Meeting rose about four o'clock. We dined, at Aaron White's, and came home, having a very pleasant evening ride, the weather cool, roads good and full moonlight. The turnpike from Richmond to Centerville is now in progress of completion, and seems likely to be done this fall. 1849.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 49 It is cause of thankfulness to find our dear family well as usual, and that sickness has so much abated. 4th. — James Cockayne, sen., died to-day, at his son James', at Orange. 15th. — Much attention to my office since last date. We are blessed with good health. Our crops of corn are very luxuri- ant and beautiful, the season having been very favorable. The wheat crop is more of a failure than I ever recollect to have known before. But in this country we have been always blessed with plenty. How grateful we ought to be, for we have no good gift, even of the outward kind, which is not from the one good (river, toward whom we ought to look with gratitude and hope. General good health seems to be now restored. Forty-nine deaths, of all diseases, are reported to have occurred from cholera, in Richmond ; and twenty-five more in the vicinity, or persons brought here ; making seventy-four in all. On the 6th instant, our children, William H. and Sarah Coffin, removed with their family, to reside at Chester ; our desires go with them, that they may do well. Received an interesting letter from Richard Mott. 25th. — Since the last date I have been much engaged in my office, about my daily business, and at small intervals in reading Lyneh's Expedition to the River Jordan and the Dead Sea, in which I have been much interested. What a change in the land of Canaan from the days of David to the present time ! And how wonderfully and fearfully true have been those prophesies concerning what should fol- low upon the Jews for their wickedness and departure from the one only true and living Jehovah, the great and merciful Being, who was pleased so greatly to favor that once great nation ! In reading the narration of travelers, there is scarce a place, or river, or town site which does not abound with matter for interesting inquiry and recollection. We have continued to enjoy good health in our family, and I be- lieve there is no epidemic disease now prevailing; yet there is occasionally a death from cholera, and I hear of a few cases of small-pox. I have feared that I should be too much engrossed with the out- ward concerns of this life, which have pressed much upon me of late, things lawful in themselves, and necessary to be attended to 50 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1849. In their proper place. But I have been almost chafed with the mul- tiplicity of such concerns for awhile past. May I be favored with strength to keep in the patience. At times I have been mercifully favored with some good feeling. We have accounts of Ohio Yearly Meeting, rather more favor- able this year ; less debate and discussion than last. 26th. — -Monthly Meeting. Bather a good time. Our dear Charles and Bh,oda having removed to James Hunnicutt's board- ing-house, some time past, are induced to return to our house to-day, on account of a case of small-pox occurring in J. H's family. 30th. — In the evening, Amos and Edith Griffith of Bedstone Quarterly Meeting, Penn., came in, having come to attend our Year!}'- Meeting. , My dear sister, Hannah S.. not so well for the last week. Tenth-month 1, 1849. — Second-day. — In the afternoon's stage- coach, our beloved friends, Benjamin Seebohm and Bobert Lindsay, of England, and Joseph and Daniel P. Haviland, of Dutchess county, New York, came in. We were truly glad to see these, our dear friends. By the Cincinnati omnibus, our dear friends, Wm. Grossman and Ann Townsend, came in. Bebecca Coffin, from near Bichmond, Ohio, is here; she brings us a good account of our dear children there. 2d. — At ten o'clock A. M., the Yearly Meeting of Ministers and Elders met. A time of much solemnity and favor. At three o'clock P. M., the Meeting for Sufferings ; a good meeting. Beceived report on books, and on the Yearly Meeting's library of refer- ence ; three hundred and sixty volumes now in the latter. The subject of presenting a memorial to Congress, against the extension of slavery into any of the territories of the United States, and the admission of any new State into the Union, the constitution of which shall permit slavery, was solemnly considered, and a com- mittee was appointed to prepare one, if way should open. 3d. — At eight o'clock a. m., the general boarding-school com- mittee met. An interesting and agreeable time. At eleven o'clock, the Yearly Meeting for Worship convened. Not nearly so large as at some past years. Our friends, J. and D. P. Haviland, and B. Seebohm, spoke in the ministry, and E. Griffith, in prayer. Three o'clock p. M., Indian committee; an agreeable and interesting time. 1849.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 51 It is very consoling to find that precious unity exists among us, and brotherly love, in a very comforting and cementing degree. 4th. — Fifth-day. — Yearly Meeting at eleven o'clock. Decidedly smaller than for many past years; sickness the cause, no doubt. Proceeded with the usual business. A very good feeling prevailed. There are now fifteen Quarterly Meetings. The epistles from other Yearly Meetings were edifying; I was evidently favored in reading the London general epistle. At four o'clock p. m., African committee. Attendance large ; an interesting meeting ; yet there was not time for all to relieve their minds. At six o'clock p. m„, the general committee on education, a large attendance, and a good meeting. The feeling in favor of proper education seems to be increasing ; so there is reason for being en- couraged. Tenth-month 5. — Sixth-day. — Eight o'clock A. it., Meeting for Sufferings. Ten A. M., Yearly Meeting. The state of Society con- sidered. Much valuable counsel and admonition offered. A favored day. Four o'clock P. m., Meeting for Sufferings. Memorial to Congress reported and adopted. Six o'clock P. m., epistle commit- tee ; also committee, on list of meetings and map. 6th. — Eight o'clock A. M., Meeting of Ministers and Elders. Ten o'clock A. M., Yearly Meeting. The report of the Baltimore committee of conference read; then the document prepared by the associated committees. It made a powerful and favorable impres- sion. I was evidently much favored in reading it. A very large expression of unity followed, and no dissent. It was adopted with excellent feeling. Several other interesting matters considered. Four o'clock P. M., Indian committee. Six o'clock P. M., general committee on education. 7th. — First-day. — Two large Meetings for Worship to-day ; yet not nearly so large as at some past years. 8th. — Eight o'clock a. m., general boarding school committee. Ten o'clock a. m., Yearly Meeting. Four o'clock P. M., African committee, but this I did not attend. Six o'clock P. M., epistle committee. Much interesting business attended to to-day. 9th. — Eight o'clock a. m., Meeting of Ministers and Elders, which came to a very solemn conclusion. The meeting made me think of the Christian Church in apostolic times. 52 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1849. Eleven o'clock a. m., Yearly Meeting. Besides, other important business ; the epistles to other Yearly Meetings were read and adopted ; and the business being gone through, the meeting came to a very solemn and harmonious conclusion, at about half-past two o'clock. Brotherly love and unity prevailed to a remarkable de- gree, and the meeting parted in deep feeling of warm and lively Christian fellowship, under the public acknowledgment that Divine mercy and favor had been eminently extended to us ; and that it had been good for us to be together. Four o'clock p. m., Meeting for Sufferings. Arranged for print- ing the Baltimore document. 10th. — Several of our friends left us this morning. B. Seebohm, It. Lindsay, J. and D. P. Haviland, took the stage for Springfield, Ohio. Meeting at eleven o'clock a. m. After meeting, the acting committee of the boarding-school, on the employing of teachers. Mary Ann Buffum has arrived from Providence, and is engaged. 11th. — Edith Griffith had an appointed meeting at Whitewater, at eleven o'clock. It was well attended, and a favored meeting. 12th. — Amos and Edith Griffith and Ann Townsend left us this morning for Cincinnati. 19th. — Since the last date, I have been very closely engaged in my office. Considerable rain has fallen within the last two weeks ; and we have also had several white frosts, more particularly within the last few days; the tomatoes, dahlias and other tender plants are much killed ; and the yellow leaves of the trees and various other things, in the weather and in the vegetable kingdom, give evident signs of the presence of autumn. The corn crops are generally fine ; some of the corn is becoming dry, so that we have had some excellent new meal. The crop of Irish potatoes is much of a failure ; yet some are raised. Our own is a failure, with a small exception. Potatoes are now thirty-seven and a half to forty cents the bushel, about double what they have usually sold for at this season of the year. Fruit is also scarce in this neighborhood this year ; good apples for winter are selling at from forty to fifty cents per bushel. Yet we have abundance, not only of the necessaries, but many of the luxuries of life. How ought our hearts to be warm with thoughtfulness and gratefulness for the blessings we have ! My mind is frequently turned to think of the mercies of the 1849.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 53 Lord, and to crave his favor and blessing. I have frequently felt low, and as if I am not all I ought to be. To have one's whole life and manners made conformable to the sweet spirit of the gospel of peace, is indeed a great consideration ; yet desirable beyond any Ihing else here below. I have not felt entirely clear in my mind ; a fear and something like a conviction has attended me, at times, that I lack much, very much ; and I have looked forward to the prospect that some affliction might be permitted to overtake me. My desire is very great that I might be better prepared for what- ever may be allowed to come ; and ! that Divine mercy and goodness may be with me all the days of my life. My dear wife is progressing in the reading of the Memorials of Rebecca Jones, in the family, of evenings. I am much interested and edified thereby. I am not yet through the third volume of William Allen, but am still making some progress; having finished Lynch's Expedition. Our boarding-school was opened on the 15th, with pretty good prospects. Thomas and Tamar Hill, superintendents; Lewis A. Estes teacher of the boys' and Mary Ann Buffum teacher of the girls' department. We have engaged Daniel Clark as teacher of our Monthly Meet- ing's school, at Whitewater. Tenth-month 21. — My son Charles went to-day to Waynesville, on account of the dangerous illness of Joel W. Johnson. 23d. — Meeting of the acting committee at the boarding-school ; an agreeable meeting. An interview was also had between the committee and the scholars ; about thirty scholars present. I was closely engaged upon various concerns in the school until night. Returned about dark, and found Charles at home. He left Waynesville yesterday. Joel W. Johnson was then living, and there appeared no immediate prospect of death ; but this afternoon Charles has received a message by telegraph, making the sad an- nouncement of his decease, about two o'clock this morning. Sad indeed ! A young man, just in the bloom of life, with very flatter- ing prospects of worldly prosperity, and having recently entered into marriage engagement with an amiable young woman (the engagement not yet consummated), and having a widowed mother near him requiring his care and sympathy, now removed from works to rewards ! Truly this is a changing and uncertain world \ 54 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1849. but we must believe that it is all under the orderings of Infinite Wisdom; under that All-seeing Eye, which sees not as man sees. It becomes us, while deeply affected and humbled by such a stroke, to seek after perfect resignation, and to bless the name of the Lord in all things. The consideration of our own precarious existence here below, should be renewedly revived in our minds, and a due preparation for our final change kept in lively remembrance, in order that our hearts may be made better. " Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am. Behold, thou hast made my days as a handbreadth, and mine age as nothing before thee." Psalm xxxix, 4, 5. 24th.— Fourth-day. — Whitewater Monthly Meeting. We had a very quiet, agreeable meeting, and much good feeling appeared to prevail throughout ; a favor for which we ought to be thankful. 26th. — Committee of Whitewater school. The school has as yet only about twenty-five scholars. Daniel Clark opened the school as teacher, on last Second-day. 27th. — Thomas O'Hara died this morning. 28th. — First-day. — After meeting, to the boarding-school, to attend the Scripture reading. Afterward, to see sister H. S., who is much improved, yet not so as to be out. Our dear Rhoda went with us to meeting to-day, for the first time during about a year or more past; and, in the afternoon, to the school, etc. It seems very pleasant that she is so much improved in health. Eleventh-month 1. — This evening our dear Miriam A. Rambo arrived from Cincinnati, on a visit. It is very pleasant to have her. 3d.-— I have had a busy and laborious week in my office. The weather has been fine ; and we are blessed with a good share of health, which is ever cause for thankfulness. Proceeding in the reading of the Memorials of Rebecca Jones, of evenings. My dear wife reads. 5th. — This day is our annual election for officers in our branch bank. I am continued cashier, and my son Charles, teller and clerk. At A. C. Blanchard's to dinner, and several at our house to supper. Our friends Henry E. Peelle and wife with us at night. I have felt low. 6th. — Our daughter Mary has entered the boarding-school to-day ; 1849.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 55 hope it may be for good. Hannah Amelia goes to our Whitewater school, Daniel Clark teacher. I still feel very low. 10th. — I have had a very busy week; and much of the time have felt very low. 11th. — I have felt some better to-day. Went to the Scripture reading at the boarding-school this afternoon. Twenty-four girls and twenty-six males now in the school. 16th. — My brother Paul having lost his house by fire, and received a considerable burn upon his person, I went to visit him. 17th. — Returned to-day, taking Milton in my course, and stop- ping to dine with our dear aged mother E. Hiatt, and C. and H. Dickinson. Read Memorial of our deceased father Hiatt. 56 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1849. CHAPTER III. Visits to Schools and Meetings — Bible and Tract Societies — Indiana Yearly Meeting. Eleventh-month 17. — I remember that this is my birth-day. I am fifty-one. What an eventful year has the past been ! Many solemn reflections seem naturally to arise upon the rapid passing away of time, and the great changes which have taken place within the year. 22d. — Our dear daughter Miriam and her two children left us this morning for Cincinnati. 23d. — -Our aged friend Jeremiah Hubbard departed this life this morning early. 25th. — First-day. — I went, my dear wife with me, to New Garden to-day, to attend the burial of our departed friend, at ten o'clock. A solemn meeting afterward ; the whole a solemn day. Called to see our beloved young friends Cornelius and Sarah Woodward, and afterward John Hubbard and family, and returned home in the evening. 27th.— Acting committee boarding-school. An awful and thrill- ing scene comes to our knowledge to-day. Our dear friend Anna Almy Jenkins of Providence, Rhode Island, and her daughter Sarah, perished in the burning of their own dwelling-house on the morning of the 20th instant. The announcement of the distress- ing fact spreads a feeling of deep sorrow wherever it is heard. My dear friend Thomas Evans, writes me an account of it ; and brings to mind the pathetic watch-word, "Be ye also ready." The school seems to be doing well, and our dear Mary is well pleased with her situation. 28th. — Monthly Meeting. Were favored to get along agreea- bly. Alpheus Test proposes marriage with Elizabeth Moffitt. 30th.— Quarterly Meeting of Ministers and Elders. African committee at two o'clock. Auxiliary Bible association at three 1 S4'J J ."1 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN*. 57 k. All agreeable meetings, comfortably blessed wit! of unity and good feeling. J :h 1. 1 S 4 9 . — Quarterly Meeting. A time of favor and unity •;: feeling. Our de i friend Daniel Williams opened a rD t( visit the Quarterly an :1 M : nthly Meetings in the limits : t Indiana Yearly Meeting, and to apt tint some meetings among others exee] : Friends, which was united with, and he was encouraged t: proceed therein. The business from the Yearly Meeting dis] :-r: of satisfactorily. Sth. — I have been very closely engaged in my regular busines- this ~eek. and have cause for thj lkful ssb for the good which I and my dear family fa i permitted to enjoy: for the comfortable feeling which has at many times been present, ao various other blessings. It is now a time of :-:r. good health gan- -. in our town and neigh": :>rhool: the small-pox, which for some time :: *st has been in and about our town, in a mild way. has nearly, perhaps quite, disappeared. The latter part ef the fall and the winter, has been remark mild, until this week, we have snow: but the weather is not vet very severe. 12th. — Thermometer-—: iegrees above zero this morning. A fine cleat morning. Our dear Rhoda 5 I saltfa gr^atty unproved 13th. — A very busy day in ny office. Charles absent at '" v r.:in- nati. Twelfth- ft 16. — Firs'-Jay. — After meeting, went tc thel ug-Bchoel and attended the Scripture reading in the beys iepart- ment. 25th. — To the acting committee, boar:]'- g-sehool. Thermome- ter two degrees below zero this morning. Our dear Mary aprear; r harpy at the school. There are twenty -eight in each department, and they seem to be loing well. Many very serious considerations come into my mind to-iav. It ignated a- t| in which the Saviour of the world vras born. The event was a glorious one beyond all expression, "(rod so )vec the vr::ii that he gave his only begotten Sen. that whosoeveT believethin Him should not re::sh." "tut have eternal lite. Eternal life! what a consideration! And just to think of our lost and z : -- erable condition without our Saviour's love! A lively sense A : - utte hie and internal gratitude should fill our hearts tor the 58 LIFE OP ELIJAH COFFIN. [1849. mercy of God through our Lord Jesus Christ. May I ever think of it; and may it have a marked influence over my conduct and my life. And as the time rapidly approaches, when it will be infinitely beyond every other consideration, to be found in the arms of Christ? among the nations of them that are saved, with Christ as the King, may I more and more yield to be his servant in truth and sincerity now, and seek for being more thoroughly under His kingdom and government. May the Lord help me with his Holy Spirit, and may my faith and obedience be increased. 26th. — Fourth-day. — Monthly Meeting. Daniel Williams at- tended with his certificate : his services edifying ; had a good meet- ing. London General Epistle read, and business from the Yearly Meeting attended to. 28th. — To Whitewater school with the committee. The school has now about sixty scholars, under the care of Daniel Clark and wife. The school seems to be doing pretty well. The commit- tee is to report to next Monthly Meeting. 29th. — Our beloved children, Charles and Rhoda, having pur- chased the dwelling and property lately occupied by Robert Hill, and her health and condition having greatly improved, removed from our house to their own, to-day. Their company has been cordial and pleasant to us, and we shall no doubt feel the loss of it. But we rejoice that our dear daughter is better; and in the encourage- ing circumstances which now attend them. 30th. — Cold. Thermometer two degrees below zero this morn- ing. Our dear Mary at home last night on a visit. She returned this afternoon to the boarding-school, and I also went, and attended the Scripture reading with the girls to satisfaction. 31st. — Thermometer five degrees below zero at six A. m. Weather beautifully clear. Some snow, and much ice. Remarkably healthy in the town and neighborhood generally. It is a solemn thought that the year now draws to a close. How fast the years pass away. How soon must our lives be gone, and we be no more here below ! O that I and my dear family may be prepared for our latter end. What a blessed place is Heaven — and how unspeakably desirable to be permitted to partake of that happy home forever. And to think of the company there. Saints and angels, and glorified spirits who have gone before us. We have much to arouse and stimulate us to watchfulness and faithful- 1850.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 59 ness : and may we not exclaim with Dr. Young, " How much is to be done! " May I constantly remember that the night cometh in which no one can work. Heavenly Father! favor me with the Holy Spirit, and make my duty clearly known to me, and help me to do it. " Lead me not into temptation, but deliver me from evil." First-month 1, 1850. — A fine morning. Thermometer six degrees above zero. What a wonderful year the past has been ! What a great number of very important events have taken place. The revolutions in Europe; the immense flow of men into California in quest of gold, found there in so great quantities ; the awful prevalence of that dreadful pestilence, the cholera, in so many places ; and, perhaps, many other things are to be noticed as great events. Further, we turn our minds to the number of our dear friends and acquaintances who have been taken from works to re- wards, during the year. I have been engaged, among other things, in promoting the sale of about 900 copies of Evans' Exposition, among Friends of the Yearly Meeting; also, a large number of the "Selection of Advices" of the Yearly Meeting of London — a valuable work. I feel satis- faction in having endeavored to promote the circulation and reading of these books. I am now engaged in endeavoring to procure the publication of an edition of "Fuller's Catechism,''' which I think is a good little work for families, and I hope may do good. My dear wife has continued the reading to us of evenings, the Memorials of Rebecca Jones, which has been instructive and edify- ing. She has, also, read recently the Memorials of deceased Min- isters, published by the Yearly Meeting of London in 1849. How thankful we ought to be for the many opportunities of in- struction and enjoyment, which are allowed to us. We should con- sider much upon those favors. 4th. — Funeral of Isaac Anderson. 5th. — Still continues cold, with much ice, and the ground covered with snow. Thermometer two degrees below zero this morning. Beautifully clear. Very healthy. 8th. — Edmund Winslow, son of Jacob Winslow, near Dublin, a young man and scholar in our boarding-school, died this after- noon. An afflictive dispensation to his parents, and an afflicting cir- cumstance to his fellow-scholars and the family. 9th. — My dear wife went to the school in the morning, and re- 60 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1850- mained until the deceased was taken away; I was indisposed and did not go, — but went to meeting, which she also reached. 11th. — Finished reading the Memorials of Rebecca Jones. An interesting, instructive and edifying work. 18th. — Somewhat indisposed for several days past, yet so as to be about the house, and out to my office each business day. I have been engaged in compiling a revised list of meetings in Indiana Yearly Meeting. My mind has also been drawn to think of the present state of our libraries, with desires for their increase in usefulness; and also, I much desire that the members of our Yearly Meeting might be encouraged to procure good books, for their own families, on religious and moral subjects, and promote the circula- tion and reading of such as would spread a knowledge of our prin- ciples, and uphold the standard of truth and righteousness. We have commenced reading in our family of evenings, the Life and Correspondence of William and Alice Ellis, by Jas. Back- house ; a copy of which has been kindly sent me by my dear friend Josiah Foster. Our morning lessons are now in the book of the Acts of the Apostles, which is renewedly interesting and instructive. First-month 22. — Acting committee, boarding-school. Several interesting matters were acted upon. The scholars appear to be do- ing well. The superintendents are agreeable and the teachers very satisfactory. 23d. — Monthly Meeting. My dear wife and myself having felt our minds for some time past drawn to visit, in the love of Truth, several families, most of them our near relations, in the limits of Walnut Ridge and Spiceland Monthly Meetings, we felt best satis- fied to expose the matter to our friends to-day. The meeting free- ly united with us, and minutes were made to that effect. The good feeling that attends is humbling. May we be favored to keep low, and in our proper place. that we may be blessed with a measure of the Good Spirit, and be favored to exalt, rather than lower, or discredit, the good cause that we pretend to advocate. And may the name of the Lord be our help and our shield, and uppermost in our hearts. 26th. — Went to Cincinnati on business. 27th, 28th. — At Cincin- nati. Our little Catechism is in type, and the plates are to be done soon. 29th. — Returned home. My dear Hannah Amelia has been 1850.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 61 with me this journey, and the visit to our children in Cincinnati has been pleasant. They are about making a railroad from Cincinnati to Hamilton. It is said the stock is taken. Part of the grading is done. 30th. — Fourth-day. — Meeting. Our dear friend Anna Thorn - burgh was present, and had acceptable and edifying service in the ministry. She has it in prospect to visit part of the meetings in our Quarter and in New Garden Quarter. Second-month 1, 1850. — To the boarding-school in the after- noon. Second-month 2. — Thirty years ago, to-day, my dear wife and I were joined in marriage at New Garden in North Carolina. My mind returns to those scenes of our early life, which occurred about that time, with deep and lively interest. How deep and ardent was our affection for each other — and how active our interest in the af- fairs of our new situation. And now that we have lived together thirty years, may we not say that our affection is undiminished. We have passed through many probations, and what have seemed to us at the time as severe afflictions, yet we may acknowledge with humility, and heartfelt gratitude, that we have been blessed quite beyond what we could have asked or thought. "We now enjoy com- forts beyond what we could once have looked for, and the enjoy- ment of society, and of our children, and of one another, is indeed very great. We ought not, therefore, to be ashamed to speak well of the good and merciful Giver of all the comforts and enjoyments of our present life, both temporal and spiritual. 3d. — First-day. — Avery wintry, stormy day of wind and snow. I have made good progress with the list of meetings. We are in- terested and edified with the reading of the Life and Correspondence of William and Alice Ellis. My dear wife still reads of evenings. 4th. — Thermometer ten degrees below zero. Fine and clear: much snow ; pretty good health, generally. 5th. — Thermometer nearly fifteen degrees below zero at \ past six, A. M. ; weather clear ; much snow. One o'clock p. m., thermom- eter twenty-two degrees above zero ; weather becoming hazy. Second-month 14. — Much snow fell last night, so that we have a greater depth now on the ground than common ; greater, I think, than we have had for several years before. It looks very wintry this morning, yet the cold is not severe. We have been looking 62 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1850. toward this day to set off upon our proposed visit to Walnut Ridge, etc. It appears discouraging this morning, but perhaps things may appear brighter by the afternoon. Since the last date, I have been blessed with good health, and have been busily engaged in various duties and concerns appertain- ing to an active life. Our business has progressed rather agreeably. Our schools appear to be doing well, but we have some trouble. The apostle says, Romans V, (which was our lesson this morn- ing) "we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." I am much impressed with this description of apostolic experience ; while I acknowledge the Lord's mercy toward me, through our blessed Saviour, — I must seek for greater experience in that peace to which the apostle alludes, by greater faithfulness. We set off after two o'clock P. M., on our proposed journey, there being much snow on the ground, and more falling. Having proceeded about eight miles, the weather was so very inclement, and the road so soft in some places under the snow, that we found it too hard on our horse, besides being too exposing to ourselves ; therefore considered it best to return. 15th. — A pretty day. We made some exertion to get off again this morning, with two horses, and a friend with us ; but we seemed unable to bring it about, and during this day and the next, my mind was much on our visit, our journey, and the Monthly Meeting at Walnut Ridge, which occurred on the Seventh-day, the 16th. — In the evening of the day last named, a little light seemed to spring up, and I felt like renewing our effort on the Second-day morning, the 18th. 18th. — Our dear friend Wm. Kenworthy having consented to join us ; and Richard Pedrick having kindly supplied another horse, we three set off early, myself, wife, and William. Called at Josiah Morris' to dinner — then to brother Paul's, and after a short stay, went forward and reached Knightstown, to our dear brother and sister Newby's, about eight P. M. 19th. — To Carthage; to Friend's school there, Lewis Johnson, teacher, which was in good order, and interested us; thence to John Clark's ; thence to Bethuel White's. 20th. — Fourth-day. — Visited the school at Walnut Ridge, Sam- uel Hill, teacher ; in which we were interested. Thence to Walnut Ridge meeting. A marriage was accomplished at the close of the 1850.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 63 meeting, after which our minutes were read, and Friends freely welcomed us among them. In the afternoon, we visited the families of the widow Mahalah White, and Isaac White (son of my brother and sister Robert and Rebecca), and went to John Newby's in the evening, to stay the night. At these several places, aforenamed; we had interesting interviews. Second-month 21. — In the morning to Wm. Cathon's; then to Westland meeting ; at the close our minutes were read. We din- ed at John Brown's ; then to John Coffin's ; then to Nathan Dicks Coffin's, he and his family residing with our sister Phebe, widow of my dear deceased brother Zacharias, at his late residence. We had a solemn and satisfactory interview. 22d. — In the morning to Jonathan Rawle's; (Alfred Coffin was here ; his daughter at Nathan Dicks') ; here we had a tender time together ; Jonathan and Phebe and Alfred have, recently, joined the Methodists. Thence to Eli White's ; thence to Thomas White's; thence to Elihu Coffin's. Here we had an interesting circle of young people ; his son, Newton, having just returned home with his wife, and some other company, for the first time after marriage. To Bethuel White's in the evening. 23d. — To Thaddeus White's in the morning ; then returning to B. C's, we set off homeward, and after making two calls in Carthage, went forward to our brother and sister Newby's, at Knightstown. 24th. — First-day. — To Eli Charles'; to Henry White's; then to meeting at Raysville. After meeting, to Rich'd J. Hubbard's ; then an interview with Isaac and Hannah Parker, at Micah Newby's ; then to Nathan Parker's ; his dear afflicted wife appears to be in lovely sweetness of mind ; then called to see Joseph Jay, who is ill with consumption; afterward to Butler Hubbard's; then to Asher Hiatt's ; and then to Henry Sellenger's, in the country, where we staid. 25th. — Second-day. — To Elias Jessop's, and made a short call ; then to Nathan Macy's ; then to Spiceland, and in the afternoon visited the school at Spiceland, and afterward went to Daniel John- son's, on Flat Rock, on our way homeward. 26th. — Arrived home in the evening weary, but found all well ; and were thankful for the mercies and favors which had attended us. Our hearts have been refreshed by this visit. May we be more humble, and more dedicated to be just what we ought to be. 64 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1850. 27th. — Monthly Meeting. Returned our minutes, and Friends expressed their satisfaction with our report. Third-month 1 and 2, 1850.' — Our Quarterly Meeting at Milford. I have felt very low. 3d. — First-day. — -We came homeward to the meeting at the boarding-school. 7th. — We hear to-day of the decease of Parker Gordon, at Aaron White's, last night. A fine young man, in the flower of life ; his decease causes much shock in the neighborhood, and particularly among the young people. We understand that he appeared to come to a happy close. 9th. — I have finished the list of meetings, and it is now ready to be reported to the committee in, the case. There appears to be a great rush going to California in pursuit of gold. Many of our acquaintance are going this season from this county. 31st. — Since the last date, I have been much engaged in various concerns. Each day has appeared to have its full share. Through the kindness of a good Providence, I and my dear family have been blessed with a share of good health ; and good health appears to prevail in our parts generally. We hear of the cholera in a few places at a distance, but I do not know that it has been near here. The weather has been very fine and dry, but cold for the season. For all the multiplied blessings of the good Giver, how thoughtful and grateful should we be.. There is a great deal of talk about going to California in search of gold, etc. It is expected that many will soon set off from this county, and a considerable number from this town in a very short time. Some have already started. We feel disposed to discourage our friends from going, for the motive they have; and I feel par- ticularly against married men going and leaving their wives and families. Some go by the way of the Isthmus of Panama, and some across the wilderness and mountains, nearly westward. We have accounts that much gold continues to be found in California; seve- ral millions have been brought to our eastern seaports from that country within a year past. There is a lively feeling now in this community to join in mak- ing a railroad from Dayton to Richmond. There is a prospect that the work will soon be begun. Our turnpike to Centerville has 1850.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 65 been finished some months, and is doing well. It is a great out- ward comfort to have so good a road in place of one so very muddy as that from Richmond toward the west has been at many times. The winter session of our boarding-school closed on the 22d in- stant. We have had about twenty-six to twenty-eight of each sex, and I believe the school has been useful. The summer session was commenced on the 25th. Our dear children, Charles and Rhoda, are preparing to set out to-morrow, Fourth-month 1st, on a visit to the eastern part of Ohio ; to William H. Ladd's and elsewhere. I rejoice that Rhoda's health is sufficiently restored to undertake the visit; and although my cares and labor may be increased by Charles' absence, the relaxa- tion is due to him, for the benefit of 'his health, and his diligent and faithful services, and I encourage them to proceed. Letters from our dear friend Benjamin Seebohm, inform us that he and his companion, Robert Lindsay, have been attending meetings in the limits of White Lick quarter ; and being about to proceed toward those of Blue River quarter, they are probably en- gaged there now. Fourth-month 1, 1850. — Second-day. — Charles and Rhoda set off this morning upon their journey, in their own carriage, with one horse. Little Elijah stays with us. To-day is the " April election," as it is called, and a busy day. 2d. — Many persons are leaving for California to-day. 4th. — This evening Anna Thornburgh came in, with her com- panions, Lydia Bell and Micajah C. Binford. She is set out upon a religious visit to Philadelphia, New York and New England Yearly Meetings, and some of the meetings thereunto belonging. Her husband and Aaron Gilbert have come thus far with the com- pany. 5th. — A. T. and her companions set off early this morning in the stage-coach for Cincinnati. Joel Thornburgh and A. Gr. returned homeward. We have had a pleasant rain this week, and the weather is now very fine. 6th. — I have had a very busy week in my outward concerns. It has seemed to me as if my physical and mental strength have been scarcely equal to my labor. I feel myself at times very weak, and in great danger of disgracing myself, and the profession I make 66 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1850. and wish to sustain. May I be preserved. Gracious assistance, mercifully afforded, must be sought for; if not afforded, shall I not sink? Instrumental help is also very cordial, when rightly ad- ministered. But I believe it is my place also to endeavor to take care of myself; as I feel that taking upon myself an increase of exercises and cases, may so increase my labors, as to exceed my strength to perform them, without too much prostration from the effort, and weakness and depression are the consequence. 14th. — First-day. — The past has been another busy week ; but «trength has been afforded to get through it with a good degree of comfort. It has been cold weather for the season, and on one night considerable snow fell. We hear good reports from Charles and Rhoda on their journey. Our school at Whitewater meeting-house is to be opened to-mor- row, Semira Hiatt, teacher. Our First-day school for Scriptural instruction opens this day week. 21st. — First-day. — Charles and Rhoda returned home last even- ing; they have had an agreeable and prosperous journey, and a satisfactory visit. They bring us a good report of the health of our dear children and friends in the eastern parts of Ohio. Our First-day school for Scriptural instruction was opened this morning. We had a large attendance of interesting children and young persons, and I hope made a favorable beginning. The weather has been cool and dry for the season, but there is now a change, and it seems more like spring. The early flowers are out; the buds for blossoms on several of the fruit trees, are coming forward, so that blossoms may soon be expected. 21th. — Monthly Meeting. Our friend Benjamin Fulghum, ob- tained the concurrence of the meeting, to visit, in the love of the gospel, Spiceland Quarterly Meeting, and the Monthly Meetings of our own Quarterly, and to appoint some meetings among Friends and others. John Pool is to bear him company. 26th. — To our school at Whitewater, in the afternoon. The teacher, Semira Hiatt, is getting along well, so far as appears. About thirty scholars. " Fuller's Catechism," our new edition, is now out. A good little work. I hope it may be useful. By the report of the warden of the Indiana State prison at Jef- 1850.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 67 fersonville, about one hundred and twenty-seven prisoners therein, it appears that the prison is supplied with about fifteen or twenty copies of the Holy Scriptures. I have felt concerned at this great deficiency, and my mind has been turned, in a degree of tenderness, toward my poor fellow-creatures suffering, in humiliation and deg- radation, the punishment for their crimes. I have written to the warden by Henry Dickinson, and sent a pretty good assortment of tracts, to be distributed among the prisoners, if the warden shall approve of it. Fifth-month 5. — Our Scripture school at Whitewater appears to be doing well. Probably about fifty in attendance. To the boarding-school after meeting. I distributed, in the girls' department, about twenty-three copies of Gurney's Hymns, which had been sent to me by a friend in Philadelphia for dis- tribution. 11th. — I have been closely engaged about home, in my ordinary business, for the few weeks past. General good health prevails in our neighborhood. The spring still advances slowly; it has been cool and backward; but the meadows and pastures are now green, and the fruit trees in delightful bloom. I am thankful that I am given to feel some true love and gratefulness to the great and good Giver, for the many blessings and comforts that we have. I have a satisfactory reply from the warden of the State prison; he informs me that a supply of Bibles has been procured by the authority of the legislature, of which I am glad. I did propose to make an effort to procure a supply, in case it had not been attended to. He also seems glad of the tracts, and speaks particularly well of some. 12th. — Distributed about thirty-five copies of Gurney's Hymns, in the boys' department, at the boarding-school, after Scripture reading this afternoon. I have been grieved with an anonymous review of the document prepared by the associated committees of Friends, at Baltimore, last summer. 19th. — To our First-day Scripture school at nine o'clock A. M. An interesting company of about fifty young persons and children have attended. Meeting at eleven o'clock a. m. In the afternoon, to the First-day school of colored persons in Richmond. 68 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1850. The weather still continues cool, and it is dry ; a prospect of a large yield of fruits. 22d. — Monthly Meeting. In the evening, our dear friends Benjamin Seebohm and llobert Lindsay, and their companion, Joseph Griffin, came in. 23d. — Our friends went to New Garden in the evening. 25th. — New Garden Quarterly Meeting; my dear wife attended. Still very dry weather. We have reports, for the last few days, of a meditated attack upon the island of Cuba, by a combination of robbers and soldiers, who have, it is said, secretly associated for that purpose; and most of them, perhaps, Americans. Their pre- tended object, is said to be to subjugate the island, wrest it from the Spanish government, and set up an independent government in Cuba. A very wicked movement. 29th. — Our dear friends, B. Seebohm and B. Lindsay, and their companion, Joseph Griffin, came in again this evening. 30th. — Meeting for Sufferings. Several important matters were acted upon and disposed of, in harmony and to satisfaction. A memorial, forwarded by Milford Monthly Meeting, concerning our dear, honored father, Benajah Hiatt, was read, and referred to an appropriate committee. Having long felt a lively desire for increased concern and energy among our members in the several meetings of our Yearly Meeting, in the procuring, reading and circulating of suitable, sound, ap- proved books and tracts, on the history, faith and doctrines of our religious society, and also on religious, moral and scientific subjects, and that our libraries might be revived, increased and rendered more useful, I was engaged to lay the subject fully open before our Meeting for Sufferings. The meeting appeared to enter into the concern in a lively manner, and a large committee was appointed thereon, which was a great satisfaction to me. They are to report at next meeting. The expression of this concern, which had for some time engaged the serious attention of Elijah Coffin, re- sulted, as will be seen in the following pages, in the organi- zation of the Central Book and Tract Committee of Indiana Yearly Meeting, in the management of which he took an 1850.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 69 Increasing interest, and of which he served as clerk during the remainder of his life. The annexed minute, adverting to his decease, and adopted at the meeting of the committee, held First, month 27, 18(32, a few days after his dissolution, gives expression to the feelings of its members, and will furnish a proof of the estimation in which his services were held. We have met this morning under feelings of no ordinary char- acter. Our beloved Clerk and Correspondent is no more; he who has served the cause in which we are engaged so faithfully, ever since the organization of the committee, has left a vacancy that we feel can f not easily be filled. It is not only on account of his services as Clerk and Corres- pondent, but his labors in writing, selecting and correcting of tracts, the superintendency of printing, and his general oversight of the whole concern, together with that hearty good cheer in which he ever met us at our Quarterly Meetings, that we feel our loss so keenly. May we be increasingly stimulated to a faithful discharge of the work which lay so near his heart. A few days before his close, he dictated the following affectionate address, to wit : To the Central Book and Tract Committee; My Dear Friends : — My soul glows in the most tender warmth of affection toward you, individually and collectively; and, as a small testimonial of my love and remembrance and near fellowship; after many years' labor in connection with yourselves, I wish to make you a donation of a few articles of furniture for your office; consisting of two tables, chairs, one settee, one large writing-desk and one small one, one stove, one small looking-glass, some blinds for the windows, a case for filing papers, etc., and a box of pigeon-holes, together with sundry inkstands, and other small articles for use in the office. Then, as I believe, in a measure of the love of Christ, I bid you affectionately farewell, desiring your prosperity in the cause in which we have been engaged, and 70 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1850. your perseverance in the good work, hoping that the Lord may add his blessing. Elijah Coffin. Richmond, Twelfth-month 26, 1861. On presentation, the above communication was received with manifestations of deep sorrow and warm affection. One alluded to the language of David as being applicable, saying we are u this day weak;" and many remarked upon the loss sustained, giving assurance that Elijah Coffin was loved and appreciated by his associates in the work. He continues his account of the Quarterly Meeting, under the date of Fifth-month 30 : The act of incorporation of our Yearly Meeting, by the legis- lature of the State of Indiana, was read and accepted. In the afternoon, the statement of meetings which I had been engaged in compiling, from materials sent in to me by the com- mittee and from other sources, was presented and partly gone through. 31st. — Meeting for Sufferings at seven o'clock A. M. The state- ment of meetings was finished, and, with emendations, adopted, and is to be printed. Other matters being all gone through, which it seemed proper now to act upon, the meeting closed, under a sense of thankfulness for the favors which have attended. General boarding-school committee at eight o'clock. Report of the acting committee, by reading its minutes, satisfactory. Meeting of Ministers and Elders at eleven o'clock A. M. ; largely attended and satisfactory. African committee at two o'clock. Bible Association at three o'clock. Sixth-month 1, 1850.-— Seventh-day. — Branch committee on edu- cation at nine o'clock. Quarterly Meeting at eleven o'clock A. M. Certificates or minutes for Benjamin Seebohm, Robert Lindsay, Daniel Wood, John Miles and John Stanton were read; and they were all in attendance. We were favored with an interesting and satisfactory Quarterly Meeting; business progressed in the unity of Friends, and was disposed of to satisfaction. 1850.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 71 The important document prepared by the associated committees of several Yearly Meetings at Baltimore, in the Seventh -month last, was read and united with, and incorporated into our minutes. 2d. — First-day. — Our friends B. S. and B. L. attended our Scripture school with us this morning. The meeting at eleven o'clock a. M. was large ; B. S. spoke with great force. 3d. — Our friends set off to-day for Spiceland ; and my dear wife left this morning in the omnibus for Cincinnati, on a visit to our children there. 8th. — My wife returned this evening, and brings a good report of health of our children. 9th. — We had a pressing message this afternoon from the board- ing-school, that our daughter Mary was dangerously ill, from some cause not satisfactorily known. Having sent for two physicians, we hastened to the school, and found our dear Mary struggling for breath, in great extremity. The whole school, and ourselves of course, were thrown into great distress, in sympathy and fear for her. The physicians soon arrived, and emetics having been promptly given by them, vomiting was excited, and after awhile she was much relieved. She had been troubled with nettle-rash; and being exposed to a violent gust of wind, as the girls came out from dinner, the complaint seized upon her chest, and was explained to produce the violent and dangerous symptoms which ensued. She became easy, so we returned home in the evening. 10th. — We brought Mary home this afternoon. She feels weak from the effects of her struggles yesterday; but is, we hope, in a way to recover. 11th. — Our friend A. C. Blanchard, and his wife and family, set off this morning to New England, on a visit, expecting to be absent a considerable time. 22d. — After a long time of dry weather, we have been blessed, since last date, with very fine and refreshing rains, which have revived the drooping vegetation, and cheered the spirits of the husbandmen. We ought to remember that every good gift, whether temporal or spiritual, comes to us through the favor of Him whose Providence rules through all his works, and that gratefulness and thankfulness of heart are ever due to Him, without whose favor what would our lives be ! Another great blessing is now generally 72 LIFE OP ELIJAH COFFIN. [1850. enjoyed in this country, calling for gratitude and acknowledgment; that is, the blessing of general good health. There is a prospect now of good crops of wheat, and corn, and fruits, and many other things. - 25th.— Our friend John Starr died this morning, about five o'clock. The disease appeared like consumption. 26th.— Burial this morning; largely attended. Monthly Meet- ing. Our friend Benjamin Fulghum made satisfactory report of his visit to our Monthly Meetings, Spiceland Quarterly, etc. The Baltimore document was read with open partition, and well united with, and directed to be incorporated in the minutes or record. The piratical expedition against Cuba by Lopez and his asso- ciates, appears to have entirely failed of that success which they hoped for. After landing at Cardenas, and doing considerable mischief, they were obliged to re-embark, and being soon chased, were induced to make a speedy end of their wicked enterprise, by landing at one of the islands belonging to the United States, and scattering off. 28th.— We hear that several cases of cholera occurred at Cincin- nati, on Seventh and First-days last. The harvest of hay has now commenced, and the wheat is fast approaching to ripeness for the reapers. 30th. — Very warm and seasonable. Thermometer ninety-three degrees at two o'clock P. M. to-day. In the morning Scripture school we had forty-four young persons and children in attendance. Conduct very orderly. 1 have to-day finished reading the last volume of the Life of William Allen, a very entertaining and in- structive work. Seventh-month 9. — Third-day. .-—At about ten o'clock this evening, Zachary Taylor, President of the United States, died at Washington city. A deep impression is made upon the whole country by the intelligence of his death, so sudden and unexpected. 11th. — Millard Fillmore, Vice-President, has been inaugurated, and is now the President of the United States. # There is much sickness at Cincinnati ; the reports of deaths from cholera, have been stated from twenty-eight to over sixty, upon different days, recently. A good Providence greatly blesses us with an excellent share of good health of late, in a general way, for which we ought to be 1850.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 78 greatly thankful. The weather is very hot and seasonable, ther- mometer over ninety degrees, several days. 16th. — Our dear friends, Benjamin Seebohm and Robert Lindsay, are now with us, having returned here on the 13th inst. They were at Orange on the 15th, and at Smyrna to-day. Still warm, seasonable and generally healthy. We hear that the citizens of New Mexico have organized and formed a State constitution, excluding slavery; and that there is much excitement in Texas thereat. Seventh-month 17. — Fourth-day. — Meeting. Benjamin Seebohm and Robert Lindsay, present. Benjamin was lively and forcible in the ministry. 18th. — Our friends set off toward Salem this morning. 23d. — Our daughter Mary, was very ill in the evening. 24th. — Mary is more comfortable. Attended our Monthly Meet- ing to-day ; our dear friends Benjamin Fulghum published to the meeting a concern to attend the next Yearly Meeting in Ohio, and John Pool expressed a willingness to bear him company. The meeting freely united with both. Also, our dear friend, Susannah Pedrick, laid before the meeting a concern to visit the families of •our Monthly Meeting, and some who are not members, who some- times attend our religious meetings, Her concern was fully united with, and she encouraged to go forward. Weather extremely hot, thermometer over ninety degrees, much, of the day-time, for several days together. One day ninety-five, another ninety-six degrees. Wheat crops excellent, harvest about over. 30th. — Weather yet hot. Sickness at Cincinnati continues about the same ; sometimes under and sometimes over fifty interments a, day.; about half of the deaths are from cholera. Our statement of meetings is printed. I am glad to see it out, and feel comfortable with the review of having devoted much time and attention in preparing it. Eighth-month 1, 1850. — Fifth-day. — Our friends, John Candler and Maria, his wife, arrived in the coach this afternoon. They have been traveling for a considerable time in the West Indies, from a, consideration of duty, making observation and inquiry into the working of emancipation, etc., having for their companions George W. Alexander and Catharine, his wife. 6 74 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1850. 4th. — First-day. — Our friends attended the First-day Scriptural school in the morning, then meeting. J. C. spoke well in the ministry. 5th. — Our friends left this morning for Grant county, to meet some English acquaintances there. Their visit has been very sat- isfactory and agreeable to us. 8th.— A daughter was born to our daughter Miriam, in the even- ing of this day. We are glad to hear that the mother and daugh- ter are doing well. We understand the infant's name is called Naomi. Busily engaged in my office for some time past. I was very sick to-day, from a bilious attack and from medicines ; but was favored to feel great consolation in the midst of much bodily distress, a favor for which I desire to be humbly grateful. Taking medicines and very quiet. 9th. — Better, but not out to business. Eighth-month 17.- — Went to Cincinnati to-day on business. The cholera has disappeared almost entirely, but there is yet consider- able of other sickness in the city. Our friends, J. C. and wife, having returned from Grant county to Bichmond, and gone thence to Cincinnati, I met with them at meeting in the last-named city, on the 18th. In Cincinnati on the 19th, and returned home 20th. 23d. — A. C. Blanchard and his family returned this afternoon from a visit to New England. 25th. — First-day. — Our First-day morning school for Scripture instruction, has been well attended this summer ; we have from thirty to forty usually. But there are many young persons who do not attend, who might, as we think, be benefited thereby. Our Meeting for Worship at Whitewater has increased much dur- ing the last two years. How could we desire that vital religion might also greatly increase among us. We are favored this summer with a good share of health generally in our town and neighborhood. Sickness has abated mifch at Cincinnati, and the cholera has almost entirely disappeared there. 30th. — The summer session of the boarding-school closed to-day, and most of the scholars are going to their homes. The weather 1850.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 75 has been dry for awhile past ; the crops of Irish potatoes are likely to be very short. 31st. — A sad message is received to-day by our son Charles, from Waynesville, announcing that Rachel Arnett, wife of Thomas Arnett, is dying. Charles and Rhoda set off thither, in the evening. Ninth-month 3, 1850. — We hear that Rachel Arnett died on the 31st ult., and was buried 1st inst. What an affecting shock must the sad intelligence of her decease be to her dear husband, now in Europe, engaged in his religious visit there. 7th. — Our Quarterly Meeting was held to-day, at Milford. The business was transacted in harmony. How thankful we ought to be for the favor of unity and fellowship. Answers to all the queries go forward as usual, to the Yearly Meeting. 22d. — Our First-day Scripture school was brought to a close for the season, this morning. It has been pretty well attended this summer, and to good satisfaction. 23d. — Benjamin Seebohm and R. Lindsay dined with us to-day, having come from the neighborhood of Elk; then went forward toward New Garden. 24th. — Our daughter, Caroline E. Ladd, with her little daughter Ellen, arrived this evening. We were truty rejoiced to have her with us again. 29th. — B. Seebohm and R. Lindsay returned to our house this afternoon. Tenth-month 1, 1850. — Third-day. — John D. Lang, from near Vassalborough, Maine, and his companion, Joseph Metcalf, from near Providence, Rhode Island, arrived this morning. Yearly Meeting of Ministers and Elders at ten o'clock A. m. An agreeable meeting, and pretty large attendance. Nathan C. Hoag, from Vermont, present. Meeting for Sufferings at three o'clock p. M.; an interesting meeting. The committee on libraries, books and tracts, brought forward a plan and regulations for the appointment of a central committee, by the Yearly Meeting, and corresponding committees by the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings ; and an address to Friends on the subjects. This subject having occupied much of my atten- tion and consideration for a long time past, I am greatly relieved by this movement, and encouraged by the favor with which it 76 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1850. is received by Friends, in the hope that it may be extensively useful. 2d. — General boarding-school committee at eight o'clock a. m. Pretty satisfactory. Yearly Meeting for Worship at eleven o'clock A. M. A good meeting. Fervent and moving supplication by Rebecca Updegraff. Indian committee at three o'clock P. M. 3d. — Yearly Meeting for Discipline at eleven o'clock A. m. A large meeting, united and very satisfactory. Business attended to, about in the usual manner. African committee at four o'clock P. M. Reports interesting. At six o'clock p. m. the general committee on education was held. A large attendance; business interesting. 4th and 5th.— Good meetings ; unity and Christian fellowship prevail in a very satisfactory manner; a favor for which we ought to be deeply and humbly grateful. 6th. — First-day. — Two large meetings to-day. 7th and 8th. — Yearly Meeting for Discipline continued; and (closed on the 8th, to great satisfaction. The Yearly Meeting received with much favor, and united with the proposition to appoint committees on the subject of libraries, books and tracts ; and a central committee was appointed accord- ingly. The committee to confer with like committees of other Yearly Meetings on the general interests of society, was continued. The business of the meeting throughout was conducted and brought to a close in great harmony and unity. 9th. — Several Friends remained with us and attended our meet- ing to-day (Fourth-day.) After meeting, our dear friend John D. Lang and his companion left. 10th. — Our dear friends, Benjamin Seebohm and Robert Lindsay, took a final leave of us this morning; they go to visit the meetings of Alum -creek quarter ; and afterward will probably leave the limits of our Yearly Meeting. 12th. — We have our dear children all with us at our house to- day. It gives us great pleasure to have them. Tenth-month 15. — Our daughter, Miriam, left for Cincinnati yesterday, and William H. Ladd and Caroline left to-day. 21st. — Laboriously busy in my office since last date. 23d. — Fourth-day. — Monthly Meeting. My dear wife opened 1850.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 77 to the meeting an apprehension of duty to visit, in the love of the gospel, the meetings and families of Westfield Quarterly Meeting. A very general unity and sympathy with her in the concern was expressed, and a minute of approbation was made. 26th. — Our dear friends, Rebecca Clawson and Levi Jessup, hav- ing manifested a willingness to bear my dear wife company during her visit, and it being inconvenient for Levi to go forward this morning, I went in his stead with them to Salem Monthly Meeting to-day. The meeting was small, but in a good degree satisfactory. Our friend Jesse Arnett was also there. We went after meeting to our friend Henry Davis' for the night, and had a satisfactory visit to the family. 27th. — First-day. — Set off early and reached our own meeting at Whitewater. 28th. — Second-day. — On this day the first meeting of our central book and tract committee was held at Whitewater. A very inter- esting meeting it was; much good feeling prevailed. I was ap- pointed clerk and correspondent, and Levi Jessup and Charles F. Coffin, were appointed assistants. There is cause of gratitude that our first meeting in this concern opens so religiously and harmoni- ously ; a favor not at our command; may the Divine blessing con- tinue to be upon the concern. 29th. — My dear wife and her companions set out to-day upon their visit to Poplar Ridge. 31st. — This day closes our business year in our branch bank, and we have had much laborious service in bringing all our business nicely up ; but have been favored with health and strength suffi- cient to do it. General good health prevails throughout our community, and in the country, generally. The weather is very fine and dry ; the crops of wheat have been excellent ; those of corn, middling ; oats, rather short; hay, decidedly so ; and Irish potatoes, almost a fail- ure, yet there are some. Apples abundant. So it seems that in this favored, productive and plentiful country, good Providence still blesses us, not only with plenty, but with much to spare, to be added to increase. We have had some quite cool weather, with fine white frosts ; but nothing severe, or inclement, as yet. Eleventh-month 4, 1850. — Second-day. — The day of our annual 78 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1850. election for directors, president, cashier, teller, etc., in our branch bank. The concerns were managed harmoniously, there being no dissention manifested. I am continued cashier, and my son, Charles, teller and clerk. We have the unanimous support of the direct- ors ; but our situations are laborious. It is very pleasant, however, to be favored to get along, comfortably, with our directors and others interested in the management of interested concerns. My dear wife and her company returned last evening from Salem. 9th. — We have had a very busy week in our office. 13th. — The State convention for the amendment of the constitu- tion, is now sitting at Indianapolis ; and we hear, that among other proceedings, it has been proposed to adopt a section which shall ex- clude people of color from coming into the State, and induce those who are now here to leave the State. This proposition has given so much uneasiness to some Friends, that it has been thought right to call a Meeting for Sufferings, to consider the subject. 16th — The weather, for some time past, has been very fine and dry, and moderate for the season. The dry weather has continued so long that many wells have failed. Excellent general health pre- vails. 1850.] LIFE OP ELIJAH COFFIN. 79 CHAPTER IV. State Constitution — Tract on Amusements — Visit to Eastern Cities — Bequest op Josiah White. Eleventh-month 17. — I do not forget, to-day, I am fifty-two years old. It is a very solemn thing to consider how time and the period allotted to us in this state of existence, passes away. I feel that much evil is near me, and that many temptations press hard upon me ; and such is my weakness and frailty, that I feel discourge- ment, at times, under a humiliating sense of my unworthiness and short coming ; yet do I not, entirely, loose my faith and hope ; and have sometimes to rejoice with thanksgiving, for the evidences of divine love and mercy which are granted to me: I mourn that I am not more thoroughly consistent and perfect; for why should I not follow Him in whom I have confidence, and un- der whom I have enlisted, and who, all the time, gives me more than I could pretend to deserve ? Let my faith and confidence in- crease; and may best help be afforded me to be, more and more at all times, and under all circumstances, more thoroughly the Christian, indeed. the blessedness of that situation, of being an Israelite, indeed, in whom there is no guile ! I remember that the Apostle Paul was tried with temptations, for he said, "When I would do good, then evil is present with me." May I not relax. 19th. — This evening, about eight o'cloek, a most sad accident oc- curred. My dear and much loved friend, Benjamin Bond, fell into a stairway, leading into a cellar, and received a mortal wound up- on his head. 20th. — My dear friend in great agony, yet alive, but appears to have no knowledge and does not speak. An awful and most afflict- ing case. Preparative Meeting of Ministers and Elders. A time of acknow- ledged favor together. 22d. — At about ten, this morning, our dear friend, quietly, de- parted this life. We are greatly affected at our loss, and the great k)ss of his dear family and connections. 80 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1850. 24th. — First-day. — The burial of our aforesaid friend ; met at the house at half past nine. A very large number of sympathizing friends and acquaintances attended. A solemn meeting afterward. I visited the widow and family in the evening — My dear friend L. I. was with me. 25th — Second-day. — Meeting for Sufferings, at eleven. About thirty members attended. The subject of memorializing the consti- tutional convention, now in session at Indianapolis, was considered. The meeting felt low, on account of the popularity with which the proposition to exclude the people of color from the state, appears to be entertained in the convention, and, probably in many parts of the State : — -But Friends united in the conclusion that it would be right to remonstrate against the introduction of any such provision into the new constitution ; and a committee was accordingly appointed to prepare a memorial, who reported one to a future sitting, which was considered, amended and adopted; and a committee of three Friends was appointed to attend the convention, and procure the presentation of it. 25th. — Third- day. —Acting committee, boarding school. The The school appears to be doing well. There are now over seventy scholars ; the sexes about eo^ual in number. 26th. — To Monthly Meeting— our friend Nathan C. Hoag, pre- sent.. "We had much business, and were favored to get through with it comfortably. After meeting my dear wife and her compan- ions, Rebecca Clawson and Levi Jessup, set off toward Elk, to attend to her concern in visiting the meeting and families of Friends belonging thereto. We are blessed with a very fine rain, after a long drought. Ma- ay springs and wells had failed. We have had no severe winter weather yet. Twelfth-month 2 f 1850.— Blessed with health and the comforts of life, for which I desire to be humbly grateful ; yet for some days past, I have had sorrow of heart comparable to the gloom of dark and cloudy weather. Not so well in health, yet somewhat brighter and less clouds in my mortal part. O, how shall an unworthy creature, such as I, be acceptable in the divine sight? yet how unspeakably desirable that I may be an object of mercy and acceptance. I am convinced that 1 have been an object of divine love.. "Let the words of my moutfe 1851.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 81 and the meditations of my heart" become more and more accepta- ble in thy sight, Lord ! 5th. — My dear wife returned this evening. It seems truly grate- ful for us to meet again ; and she appears easy in having fulfilled her religious engagement. 6th and 7th. — Sixth and Seventh- days. — The Quarterly Meeting, and other meetings, regularly occurring on these days. We ought to bless the good name of the Lord, that we are favored together : unity and fellowship throughout, without discord. Our friend Na- than C. Hoag, attended the Quarterly Meeting. The business from the Yearly Meeting was appropriately acted upon, and referred. In the branch committee on education, a committee was appoint- ed, of which I am one, to visit the Monthly Meetings, etc. Twelfth-month 14th. — To Westgrove Monthly Meeting, at Fair- field ; a satisfactory meeting. The other members of the commit- tee were present. 21st. — Our little grandson, Charles F. son of William and Sarah Coffin, has been very ill for a few days past, with erysipelas. 22d. — To Chester. The little boy is dangerously ill. 25th. — Our little grandson expired this morning, soon after mid- night, aged four years. His loss is felt very keenly by his parents, in which we sympathize. Monthly Meeting. My dear wife returned her minute. A good meeting. 26th. — Fifth-day. — The burial of our grandson, at Whitewater, at eleven o'clock, this morning. Met at our son William's, at nine, and had a religious sitting together. Twelfth-month 29. — The past week has been one of some afflic- tion; may we improve. First-month 4, 1851. — Busily engaged about my office the past week. We are greatly blessed as to health. We have read through the entire Pentateuch in our morning Scripture readings to our family, recently. I do not remember that I have ever been more deeply impressed with the excellency of the Divine law given to Moses; also, various other matters relating to the history and gov- ernment of the children of Israel are truly wonderful. How much may we be instructed in reading this inspired account, in the true belief of the true Jehovah ; in the certainty of his Divine Provi- dence and government; in the gracious dealings in love and mercy 82 LIFE OP ELIJAH COFFIN. [1851. toward those who, with an honest heart, endeavor to ohey his com- mandments ; and in the certainty and awful severity of the visita- tions of his judgments upon the rebellious and corrupt, who walk in the ways of sin, and regard not his statutes. Of evenings, we have been reading the Memoirs of Edward Bar- rough, in the 14th volume of the " Friends' Library." I have been graciously blessed many times this week with the sweet feeling of the love of God in my heart: how shall I be suf- ficiently thankful for such favors! 12th. — Another week of engagement in my regular business. I have met with perplexities, in which I have not maintained the Christian character with that kind of dignity which afforded me as much satisfaction at the time, or since, as I could desire. I must still strive to become better as I grow older. Wrote to my dear friends Benjamin Seebohm and Benjamin W. Ladd, this week, in reply to interesting letters recently received from them,. A valuable donation of books from the estate of Josiah White, deceased, and another Friend, committed to the care of our book and tract committee, is received. Fifty Fox's Journal; eighty Barclay's Apology ; fifty Catechism ; fifty Bevan's View ; fifty Dymond's Essays; about the same number of Doolman's Journal; fifty Plain Path, and fifty Guide to True Peace. 18th. — Busily engaged in my office for the past two weeks. A good Providence has blessed our dear family with a good share of health and many comforts, for which we ought to be truly grate- ful. The winter has been mild for this climate generally, so far. 26th. — I have attended our Monthly Meeting, and Chester and Milford in the past week, with the committee on the concerns of education. Our labors were kindly received, and we may hope may not be destitute of some good effect. Our dear Miriam, being in low health, my dear wife went to Cincinnati, and has brought her home, together with her two chil- dren. 29th. — We have cold weather. Thermometer eight degrees be- low zero. Good general health prevails. Second-month 1. — Sarah Ham died this morning. 2d. — Our wedding day. We do not forget that we have spent 1851.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 83 another year happily together. Truly this connection is one of our greatest earthly blessings. We are reading the journal of Margaret Woods of evenings. 23d. — Three weeks have passed away since the last date above, during which time I have been mostly about home, pursuing my daily calling, except that on the 15th I went to Cincinnati on busi- ness, and returned home on the 18th. The weather, this month, has been a good deal changeable; some days pretty cold ; many quite mild; and a good deal of rain. It seems a great blessing to have abundance of rain after a long time in which it has not been abundant. I have been engaged, with the assistance of several Friends around, in republishing, with some additions, a tract, under the following newly adopted title: "The question, why shall we not go to parties of pleasure, to the circus, to the party, to the ball, or to the dance, seriously answered." It is cause of sorrow that so many persons should give themselves up to the desires of the light and vuin mind, as to fall in with, and practice such vain amuse- ments as going to dances, balls, etc. We may hope that our hum- ble effort, in the circulation of this little tract, may have some good influence, at least with some individuals, into whose hands it may fall. Third-month 1. — This day was our Quarterly Meeting held at Milford. The meeting was held in quietness and to comfort, and there not being so much business as we sometimes have, it closed early in the afternoon. The Meeting of Ministers and Elders, that of the African com- mittee, and that of the auxiliary Bible association on the day pre- ceding, and that of the education committee in the morning of the Quarterly Meeting, were all attended with lively interest, and to some satisfaction. The past winter has, upon the whole, been mild and rather unu- sually pleasant for that part of the year, and evident signs of the approach of spring now begin to appear. Fourth-month 1. — The month just gone out has been very pleas- ant for the season, and we have enjoyed many blessings. -I very frequently fear that my gratefulness for these may not be so ardent as it should be, nor so much the companion of my mind — yet, through heavenly kindness, I believe I am favored frequently to 84 LIFE OP ELIJAH COFFIN. [1851. feel a sense of the bounties we enjoy. But I also very frequently fear that my spiritual improvement and advancement in best things, my thorough submission to the kingdom and government of our Lord Jesus Christ, does not make sufficient progress ; my profes- sion before men; my age, and my happiness, would all seem to call for greater devotedness and diligence. In our Scripture readings in our family we have been progressing through the life of Samuel, and Saul, and David. My friend James Backhouse has sent me a copy of his book on his Australian visit; which I am reading with interest; he has also sent me his other book, on his visit to South Africa and the Mau- ritius, which I hope to read. On the 29th ultimo our friends Johnson Brewer and Eliza, his wife, from Canada, both Ministers, came to my house, and on the next day attended our meeting, and were engaged in acceptable service. B. C. Hobb's school is closed at our meeting-house, and he is about leaving for the agricultural school in our Western Quarterly Meeting. 13th. — Our First-day Scriptural school was opened this morning to satisfaction. The morning was unpleasant on account of rain ; but we had an attendance of twenty-eight young persons and chil- dren. It has been believed by me that a difference of sentiment on some important matters, affecting the unity and religious fellowship, has existed among some of the members of our meeting, for a consider- able time past ; and apprehending that the time had come for me to endeavor to speak to several collectively on the subject, I gave up, with a deeply exercised mind, to invite about twelve to stop with me after meeting, to whom I made known my concern. They heard me with a good degree of patience, and after an interview of nearly two hours, we parted affectionately. My mind is deeply concerned that the movement may be overruled for good, and for the honor of the good cause of truth and righteousness. 20th. — Busily engaged, as usual, in my domestic concerns, dur- ing the past week. My son William having become settled at Chester, the care of the farm west of Richmond has returned upon me, which adds to the labors I had before from my office. Over forty scholars at the First-day school this morning. 1851.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 85 23d. — Monthly Meeting. Our dear friend Nathan C. Hoag was acceptably present. 24th. — Having given up to endeavor to attend the meeting at Baltimore, on the 5th of next month, of the committees appointed by the Yearly Meetings of New York, New England, Indiana, Baltimore, and North Carolina, to confer together on subjects relating to the general interests of Society, I parted from my dear family, and set out in the stage-coach for Cincinnati, on my way; our daughter Mary bears me company, and is to go with me as far as William H. Ladd's, at Richmond, Ohio. We reached Cincinnati in the evening, and enjoyed a pleasant visit to our dear Win. A. and M. A. Bambo. 25th. — On the Ohio Biver at eleven o'clock, aboard the steamer Hibernia No. 2, bound for Pittsburg; we to stop at Steubenville. Weather very pleasant, and river in good navigable condition. 27th. — Arrived at Steubenville at nine o'clock a. m., and at William H. Ladd's at about two o'clock P. M. We were mutually rejoiced at meeting. 28th. — Visited my dear brother Benjamin W. Ladd, who is in very feeble health. 30th. — W. H. Ladd went with me to Steubenville; and about two o'clock P. M., the Clipper No. 2 passed up toward Pittsburg, upon which I. went, and was well pleased to find there my dear friend N. C. Hoag. Beached Pittsburg about midnight. Fifth-month 1. — Went forward to Brownsville, per steamboat up the Monongahela. This is a very interesting steamboat route. The improvements of the river navigation, the scenery of the uneven country through which the rivrer winds its way, the towns and beautifully cultivated fields, all offer objects of interest. 2d. — I left N. C. Hoag at Brownsville (we having been kindly entertained at Dr. Abraham Stanley's), and proceeded very early, in the stage-coach, across the mountains, to Cumberland, at which place we arrived about ten o'clock p. m. This mountain route is also very interesting. 3d. — By railroad from Cumberland to Baltimore; arrived about half-past five o'clock p. M., and was kindly taken in by our dear friend Hugh Balderston ; Joseph Cox having overtaken me at Cumberland, i 4th. — First-day. — At meeting at Baltimore, before and after noon. 86 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1851. Several of the committee were in attendance; also our dear friends, Benjamin Seebohm and Robert Lindsay, from England. 5th. — The committees appointed by the five Yearly Meetings convened together at Friends' meeting-house, in Baltimore, at ten o'clock a. m. The occasion was felt to be a very important and solemn one. (3th, 7th, 8th. — The associated committees continued to hold sittings of conference these several days. The deliberations were conducted in great harmony of sentiment as to the present state of Society; and a report'to the five Yearly Meetings, in the form of an address to Friends, was prepared and adopted with unity of feel- ing; and the conference came to a close, and the members thereof separated in brotherly affection. 9th. — I went forward, in company with many other Friends, toward Philadelphia, and arrived in that city in the afternoon, about three o'clock. I was kindly entertained, during my stay in the city, by our dear friend Thomas Kimber. 10th. — Attended to several matters of business, and about eleven o'clock A. m. visited the Girard College. This is truly a remark- able institution ; remarkable not only for its magnificence and great- cost in money, but, it seems to me, for the excellence in which the main building and all the auxiliary buildings and appurtenances generally are wrought up. I was accompanied to the college by Thomas Kimber, Elizabeth Hopkins, and one of T. Kimber's daughters; and we had notes of introduction to Jane Mitchell, the matron of the college, who received us politely, and very kindly conducted us to many parts of the institution. It was gratifying to see about three hundred orphan boys in these different schools; nearly of one size; apparently near the same age; with dress of the same character, and all in good order; with opportunities so munificent for acquiring a thorough educa- tion ; and provided for with all the necessary comforts at the expense of the institution. I visited several places in the after- noon, and drank tea with Samuel Bettle, jr., and family; his father and some other Friends being present. I had an opportunity, after tea, of explaining to S. Bettle, sr. and jr., our movements and concern at home, in regard to libraries, books, and tracts, in the limits of Indiana Yearly Meeting, which seemed to be well received. 1851.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 87 11 tli. — First-day. — Made a very sweet and satisfactory visit this morning, at eight o'clock A. m., to my dear friend Thomas Evans, of Philadelphia. Being himself in a low state of health, he and Catharine, his wife, expect very soon to embark for Europe, for the benefit of a sea voyage. To meeting at Twelfth street at ten o'clock A. M. Our friends, Eliza Gurney and Hannah Adams, were engaged in the ministry. Dined at David Scully's, and went with him to Arch street meeting at four o'clock P. M. The congregation did appear to me to be thin ; and my feelings were somewhat saddened by the re- flection that a considerable decline has taken place in the number of Friends belonging to and attending this meeting, in the last twenty years. Passed the evening agreeably with several Friends, at Charles Yarnall's. 12th. — My friend Thomas Evans, of Waynesville, Ohio, having also remained in Philadelphia, we left the house of our kind friend Thomas Kimber early, in the railroad train, toward New York, Called at Burlington, and remained three hours or more, until the next train, in which time we visited our aged and honored friends, Stephen Grellet and wife, and Richard Mott and Abigail, his wife; also William J. Allinson and family. His aunts, Mary, Sybil and , now constitute a part of his family. It was interesting and instructive to meet with these dear friends once more, and renew affectionate acquaintance. We proceeded before eleven o'clock, and arrived in New York City about three o'clock p. m. I hastened around, attending to some business ; then called at Wm. F. Mott's, and made a short visit; then proceeded to the steamer Isaac Newton, upon North River, which was to leave at six o'clock for Albany. Being very weary, I went to bed soon after becoming settled upon the boat. The night was very fine, and I could have desired, had my physical strength been sufficient, to have been up and enjoyed the beautiful scenery upon the river. 13th. — We arrived at Albany about three o'clock a. m. Took breakfast at a hotel, and were off in the railroad cars about seven o'clock for Buffalo, which last city we reached about ten o'clock p. M. 14th. — We took the railroad cars, at nine o'clock a. m., for the 88 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1851. Falls of Niagara, and arrived there at about half-past ten o'clock. We remained until six o'clock P. m., during which time we viewed this great and interesting wonder of the creation from various places, on both sides of the river. It seems to me that no one of susceptible mind could view this great work without feelings of awe and delight, nor without having the mind turned to acknowl- edge and adore the great Creator of all. Language would fail me to represent to the mind of another a description, to the life, of this wonderful scene, which, it appears to me, no one can behold without being forcibly impressed with its magnitude, awfulness, sublimity, and beauty. We passed down the Canada shore to the wire suspension bridge, which we crossed, and returned upon the American side. We were told that the bridge is eight hundred feet long, from bank to bank ; two hundred and fifty feet from the surface of the river; and that the river is two hundred and fifty feet deep. The American Falls are said to be one hundred and seventy feet; the Horse-shoe or Canada Falls, one hundred and fifty-eight feet. The river is about three quarters of a mile wide above the Falls, and descends over rocks with a fall of sixty feet in a short distance above, before reaching the summit of the great Falls. It seemed hard for us to leave the region of this grand scene; and we returned (the cars not being quite ready to depart) to take another and a last view. We were back in Buffalo about dark, and soon went to our berths on the Saratoga. The boat did not leave until about eleven o'clock p. m. The night was extremely beautiful ; the moon was full ; the beautiful lake was smooth as could be wished ; and the air was fresh and invigorating, yet not chilling. 15th. — Our boat touched at Cleveland about two o'clock p. M., and soon proceeded. It was nearly dark when we landed at San- dusky. Went upon the cars at once, and proceeded by the railroad toward Springfield. 16th. — We were at Springfield about six o'clock A. M., where I parted with my dear friend Thomas Evans ; I went forward to Day- ton by railroad, and took the coach for home at that place about nine o'clock A. m.; and was favored to reach my dear home, and to embrace my dear family, in good health, about four o'clock P. M. My hearty gratitude to the good Giver of all good things, is cer- 1851.1 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. tainly due for the many favors which, in mercy, have attended me beginning to the end of this journey. Sixth-month 4. — General good .health prevails. We have de- lightful seasonable weather, and our country looks truly beautiful. On the 29th ult., Enos P. Baldwin and Martha Bond were joined in marriage at a meeting appointed for the purpose. To-day, at our regular meeting, Eli Stubbs and Anna F. Moffit, were married. Both marriages were conducted in good order and solemnity, in which our beautiful regulations were very well carried out. Many, Friends from other parts were present with us at meeting to-day. In the afternoon, the large committee appointed by our last Yearly Meeting, on the subject of sitting up a new Yearly Meeting, convened ; and after much deliberation, and considerable discus- sion, arrived at the united conclusion, that the time has not yet come for taking such a step. This conclusion is to be reported to our next Yearly Meeting. 5 th. — Meeting for Sufferings. Our friend, Josiah White of Philadelphia, in his last will, made the munificent bequest of forty thousand dollars, for the establishment, within the limits of Indiana Yearly Meeting, of two schools, for the education of poor children, white and colored, in which their Christian training in the principles and practice of religion as professed by^ Friends, is particularly to be regarded. The case was opened in the Meet- ing for Sufferings for consideration, as to whether our Yearly Meeting would be free to accept the trust confided to it in the will. The case was fully considered by the meeting, and then referred to a committee; and at the next sitting, the committee reporting favor- ably, the meeting came to the united judgment to recommend to the Yearly Meeting to accept the trust conveyed by the will, and endeavor to carry it out according to the tenor of the will. It was foreseen that great labor and responsibility would attend the under- taking; but Friends felt as if they would not be excused in reject- ing a trust, so evidently intended for good to our fellow-men, and to extend and spread the principles and practice of Christianity. 6th. — General boarding-school committee at eight o'clock A. M. Ministers and Elders Quarterly Meeting at eleven o'clock A. m. (larger than usual on account of so many of our friends from other parts, being acceptably with us,) — African committee two o'clock P. M. — and auxiliary Bible association at three o'clock 7 90 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1851. P. M. So the day was much occupied — and preserving help was experienced. 7th. — Quarterly Meeting. A large and interesting meeting. Our friend, Daniel Williams, returned his certificate. The Educa- tion Meeting at nine o'clock A. m., was also an interesting meeting. 10th. — My dear wife, Mary Roberts and Levi Jessup, set out together in one company, a part of a committee of the Yearly Meeting to visit the Northern Quarterly Meeting, and Honey Creek ^Monthly Meeting, in reference to the setting up of a new Quarterly Meeting, to be called Concord; they having been to the Western Quarterly Meeting and the Monthly Meetings therein which have part in the request, a few weeks past. Our hearts have been made sad by hearing of the decease of our dear friend and brother, Benjamin W. Ladd, of Smithfield, Ohio, who departed this life at his own residence on the morning of Seventh-day, the 31st of the Fifth-month, 1851. We have es- teemed him a citizen of great integrity and virtue ; as a Christian in faith and practice ; and a most valuable standard bearer in the church. His removal from works to rewards in another world, is felt by many, who are left behind, to be a great public loss. But the Lord gave, and when he takes away, it becomes all to ac- knowledge the wisdom of his dispensations — and through all to bless his Name. 13th. — Charles and Rhoda made a visit to Cincinnati this week. My dear wife being absent, and Charles and Mary also away, I have felt a good deal lonely. Our favorite dog, that for several years has been so useful, and has shown toward me an attachment so faithful and strong, was dead under one of our trees this morning. This, esteemed however small, may serve to impress upon one's mind, renewedly and forcibly, that the things here are transitory, and that our outward gifts, however much esteemed, are not to remain with us forever. The coming close of our own earthly pilgrimage may be hinted to us by the changes which take place around us. The above entry brings to view a trait of character for which Elijah Coffin was well known — his kindness to the brute creation and love for animals. On the occasion al- luded to, his children well recollect seeing him shed tears 1851.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 91 at the loss of his faithful and " favorite dog." It was equally shown in his care for a horse or cow which he owned. He rarely sold either. A horse which he had owned for many years, and which was too old to be of much value, he requested, at his death, to be provided with a home where he would be cared for and not abused. Elijah Coffin was a striking exemplification of the proverb, " a righteous man regardeth the life of his beast." 15th. — Our First-day morning Scripture school, at Whitewater, keeps up well this year. We frequently have more than forty. 21st. — My regular business has had my attention this week. The weather has been delightfully seasonable ; the crops generally look well. Air cool and bracing much of the time. 23d. — My dear wife and her company returned home this even- ing. We were truly glad to meet. General good health prevails now in our town and neighborhood ; yet some cases of dysentery have occurred. 25th. — Monthly Meeting. Our friend Benjamin Fulghum re- ceived the concurrence of his friends in a concern to perform a re- ligious visit to Center, Fairfield, and part of Miami Quarterly Meetings. 28th. — Our daughter Mary arrived home from her visit to her sister Caroline and others in Ohio. We were well pleased to see her. She appears to be in quite as good or better health, as when she left home. Seventh-month 2. — Our daughter Miriam came from Cincinnati to remain with us awhile, hoping for improvement in her feeble state of health. 5th. — Wheat harvest has been on hand this week. The crops are reckoned good, and the grain very fine. 12th. — Much rain this week. Harvest has been continued. Good health prevails generally — yet there is complaint of diseases of the bowels. 13th. — Thermometer ninty-four degrees this afternoon. We have heard of the decease, on the of last month, of our dear aged friend and relation, Elizabeth Coggeshall, of New York city. She has been a gifted and favored Minister of the gospel, 92 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1851. aod has traveled much for the furtherance thereof. Our friend Benjamin Seebohm, (who was first awaked to greater religious thoughtfulness and dedication through her instrumentality,) and his companion, Robert Lindsay, attended the funeral. 24th. — Wheat harvest is now over, and the crop is considered good. The crops of other grains, and the grasses, are also good. The season has been delightful, fully seasonable and prosperous, and a very good share of health prevails. There is abundant cause of reverent thankfulness for these favors. Eleventh-month 9, 1851- — My last date was Seventh-month 24, 1851 : after the close of harvest. I may now acknowledge, and wish to do so, with reverent gratitude, to our gracious Benefactor, that in our little family, now consisting of myself, and wife, and our daughters, Mary and Hannah Amelia, we have been blessed with a good share of excellent health. A good Providence has also favored the inhabitants, generally, in this neighborhood, with health this year, with as few exceptions as is usual ; and a remark- ably pleasant and productive season ; I can not remember ever to have seen one more so in. my life. The village of Newport and its neighborhood were visited with cholera, in the Eighth-month, which carried away several to their future state. I note the decease, with that disease, on the 19th of that month, of Rachel Welch, formerly Williams, and wi- dow of Wm. Williams, a Minister among Friends. Since last date, my time has been closely, and many times, labor- iously, taken up in performing the duties of my office, except when absent from it on account of domestic or religious duties' Our late Yearly Meeting was a very important and interesting one. An unusual number of weighty subjects claimed attention, and were disposed of in much harmony. A general feeling of brotherly good will prevailed : a gift and a favor, demanding our consideration and heartfelt gratitude. Our dear friend Cordelia Bayes, from England, attended ; and made her home at our house. Our boarding-sohool was opened with favorable prospects, on the week after Yearly Meeting. Ashley Johnson and Lydia, his wife, iiave taken the office of superintendents this year. The number of scholars is now over ninety, quite as many, probably more, than the buildings, in their present unfinished condition, will accommodate to that comfort and advantage which may be desired. 1851.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 93 The committee appointed by our late Yearly Meeting, to visit the Quarterly Meetings, etc. (of which I am one) have engaged in the service — but I have not yet joined them therein. Fairfield and Cen- ter have been attended ; and Miami, yesterday ; in the attendance of which, my dear wife is now absent from home. 10th. — Considerable snow has fallen during yesterday and last night ; the weather is, otherwise* moderate. Our Monthly Meeting school, at Whitewater, is opened to-day for the winter session, with favorable prospects : John Macy, prin- cipal teacher. About forty in attendance. 94 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1851 CHAPTER V. Visits to Quarterly Meetings.— Trae zero .his morning. 1853.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 109 Decidedly the coldest of the season, so far. General good health prevails. The year 1852 may be reckoned a year of remarkable prosperity In the country. The crops produced by the land were generally pretty good, so that the surplus in this country, over what is re- quired for home consumption, is very great; and the prices for it unusually high. Added to which, good health has prevailed gene- rally. The prices are considered to be influenced by the great in- flux of gold from California ; by the great number and amount of public works now in progress, and other causes. I believe that money was never so abundant in this country before. The causes for reverent gratefulness and devotedness of heart to the great and good Giver, from whom every blessing comes, surely appear largely on every hand. May the nation thank the name of the Lord, and learn to serve him more uprightly. Second-month 6. — A great snow. We very seldom see so much at one time. My health is injured by over exertion and fatigue in the duties of my office the past week; the effect is extremely depressing upon my mind. This is a time of darkness and distress, of gloom and discouragement. It would seem as if all good had departed from me. It being First-day, Wilson Carter attended meeting, and had requested general notice to be given.; such is my low state of mind and illness in body that I remained pretty much within doors, and did not attend meeting. In the afternoon, had an acceptable visit from Wilson Carter and his companion; which somewhat refreshed me. 7th. — Better; but still under a low feeling. 8th. — Weather very fine and refreshing. Thermometer four de- grees beloiv zero this morning. My health is decidedly improved. I feel very little ability for successful prayer yet. But I look to Jesus, whom I find I still love, and must rely upon his mercy and kindness for deliverance and salvation. 9th. — Thermometer twelve degress below zero thk morning, ISnow still on the ground, very little melted. Weather very fine, I had a refreshing night's sleep last night — my health is nearly re- covered; spiritually, I am still lean, yet less in gloom. Third-month 18. — This day is to be noted for the opening of railroad communication from Dayton to Richmond. The workmen 110 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [185& reached the latter this day, in laying the iron track, and the whistle of the locomotive sounded through the air. The railway from Eaton to Richmond is in a state of forwardness, but not yet com- pleted. The winter session of our Monthly Meeting's school, John M. Macy, teacher, closed to-day. This being the time of Quarterly Meeting at Elk (Westfield Q. M.), my wife and self attended the select and other meetings. My feelings depressed some of the time. 19th. — Westfield Quarterly Meeting at Elk. I rose this morn- ing under feelings of great depression, my health being feeble, and my sense of unworthiness indescribable. I have no doubt that I fell into error in my great weakness, and said something which I had better not. After some outward refreshments and rest, I felt much better, so that I enjoyed the Quarterly Meeting in a good de- gree, and joined the few members of the Yearly Meeting's commit- tee in attendance, in considerable communication, in which a favor attended me, and I felt much better afterward. Fourth-month 1. — -We have fine mild weather, the ground be- coming dry, and the grass showing itself. We are planting some garden seeds. I am engaged in compiling a little book of Scripture questions on the book of Matthew, designed to assist parents and teachers in giving Scriptural instruction. A part of the committee of conference continued by our last Yearly Meeting have a prospect of attending the approaching Yearly Meeting in Philadelphia. This is felt to be a weighty engagement. The railway from Eaton to this place is progressing rapidly to- ward completion. Part of the iron track is laid this side of our State line. We had an acceptable visit from our dear children Eli and Mary C. Johnson, in the fore part of this week. Our dear Mary's health is poor ; we feel much anxiety about her. 12th. — -My friend Joseph Cox having come thus far on his way,, we set off about twelve o'clock, expecting to be joined by John Hadley, jr., on the railroad above Cincinnati, with a view for us to proceed on to Philadelphia, to attend the Yearly Meeting of Friends in that city, as a delegation from the committee of conference ap- pointed by our Yearly Meeting. We staid at Cincinnati all night 1853.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. Ill 13th. — Went forward. John Hadley, jr., joined us at Corwin. To Columbus to dinner; to Cleveland to supper ; then forward to Pittsburg, at which place we arrived about three o'clock A. M. the 14th. 14th. — After some rest in the morning we proceeded by the Pennsylvania railroad. Having crossed the mountains, we stopped at the Mountain House to rest. | 15th. — Reached Philadelphia by the way of Harrisburg and Lancaster at about eleven o'clock p. M. Were kindly taken in by our esteemed friend Thomas Kimber, at whose house Joseph and I staid duringthe Yearly Meeting. John went to M. C. Cope's. 16th — Yearly Meeting of Ministers and Elders, in Philadelphia. We called upon our beloved friend Thomas Evans, before meeting, who kindly showed us the way. In the time of worship, before bu- siness was taken up, our friends, Cordelia Bayes and Anna Thorn- burgh had some service, which appeared to me to be in place. Af- ter the opening proceedings, the certificates and minutes of Friends, from other Yearly Meetings, now in attendance, were read. Cordelia Bayes, from England, Silas Downing, Henry E. Knowles, and Charles Taber, from within the limits of the Yearly Meeting of New York ; Anna Thornburgh, Jemima Burson, and Sarah M. Hiatt, from Indiana Yearly Meeting ; and Rebecca Michener from Ohio, were in attendance. Ephriam Morgan, an Elder, from Cincinnati, attended the next sitting. The Friends, named above, each, had com- panions. At a suitable time, Cordelia Bayes informed the meeting that she had no prospect of attending another Yearly Meeting in Philadelphia, and a committee was thereupon appointed to prepare, if way should open a certificate for her. The meeting, after having proceeded about as far as usual in its business, adjourned. 17th. — First-day. — Attended Twelfth-street meeting, at ten o'clock. Dined with Isaac and Rebecca Collins. Attended Orange street meeting, at four P. M. 18th. — The Yearly Meeting convened at the Arch-street House, at ten o'clock. After the usual preliminary proceedings, the certi- ficates and minutes were read including our extract, which we had handed up. Then the American Epistles, beginning with New York, and excepting New England ; then Dublin, London, and, lastly, the London General Epistle. Some discussion took place, as to read- 112 LIFE OP ELIJAH COFFIN. [1853. ing the epistle from New England, and while it was plain, that some desired it might be read, and correpondence resumed, the disposi- tion of the meeting was against it. After the discussion was closed, and the meeting was about to ad- journ, we thought it our duty to take the floor, and urge in a can- did, but modest and affectionate manner, the uneasiness which the position of that Yearly Meeting was giving to the Friends in other parts, and to press, closely home, to their very serious consideration, the duty, which might belong to them, in doing their part, toward a reconciliation in Society. All three of us joined in our earnest appeal to them. We were listened to, in our short address, in a si- lent and attentive manner ; and, soon after we closed, the meeting adjourned. In the afternoon sitting, the minutes of the Meeting for Sufferings, were read. 19th. — Third-day. — Two sittings. State of Society. Report of Westtown boarding-school. That school appears to be in a prosper- ous condition. 20th. — Meeting of Ministers and Elders at eight A. m. A cer- tificate for our friend Cordelia Bayes was adopted. The meeting got through its business and concluded. Yearly Meeting at eleven. An address to the members of the Yearly Meeting, prepared by the Meeting for Sufferings, was brought in, read, considered and adopted. In the afternoon sitting, the report on Indian concerns was read. 21st — Meetings for Worship, in the morning. In the afternoon, the education report was read. One thousand four hundred and twenty three children, of a suitable age to go to school, are report- ed. Afterward, the report on the use of spiritous liquors. It ap- pears that a few of the members are still in the practice of using this article as a drink. 22&.— Sixth-day.— Epistles to the American Yearly Meetings, (except New England,) and to London and Dublin, were read and adopted. The meeting afterward came to a conclusion, at about one o'clock P. M. — We dined with Townsend Sharpless, then I part^ ed with my companions, Joseph Cox and John Hadley, jun., who re- mained, with the prospect of attending the conference at Baltimore, on the ninth of next month, and proceeded with my friend, David [1853. LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 113 Sands by railroad across New Jersey to New York, which place we reached about sunset. 23d. — Passed the day in the city of New York. In the morning, with my dear friend Mahlon Day, visited the reser- voir of the Croton water, in the upper part of the city. From the top of the wall of the reservoir, we could see the ''Crystal Palace," just being erected for the "World's Fair," and not yet finished. A great prospect of the city and suburbs was, also, here before us. I was highly entertained with the view of the substantial and ex- cellent reservoir and the interesting prospect around. The "Color- ed Orphan Institute '' being very near, we obtained admittance, through my kind friend, and I was highly gratified with what I saw of the Institute and its inmates. We returned thence to the lower part of the city; and after visiting some of the business houses, I went, with the same kind friend, to see the "Arctic," one of the American Ocean 'steam-ships, which we were permitted to pass through. We visited, also, the Bible House of the American Bi- ble Society, and the Tract House of the American Tract Society. To dinner with Mahlon Day, and to David Sands' at night. 24th. — First-day. — Attended both morning and afternoon meet- ing. Took dinner to-day with William Cromwell, where we had the company of our dear aged friend, Bichard Mott ; also of Wil- liam Wood and Mary his wife. In the evening, had the acceptable company of Henry and Grace Dickinson, M. F. Mott, Mary Mur- ray, Anna Shotwell and others, at our friend David Sands'. 25th. — Second-day morning. — Left New York, at seven A. M. by the Erie railroad, bound for home. We passed through much interesting country scenery, upon our long route to-day, and arrived at Dunkirk, at about half-past twelve at night. Proceeding onward upon the lake shore, we came to Cleveland about eight a.m., the 26th ; then, leaving at nine A. M., in the cars of the Cleveland and Columbus railroad, I went forward to Eli Johnson's, at Corwin, where I stopped with our children at seven p. m. Next day, I went home, via Cincin- nati. My health has been remarkably preserved during the whole of this long journey, which has been in everyway prosperous as to traveling with speed and comfort : and now, finding my dear family well, there is abundant cause of renewed gratefulness to Him from whom all good comes. 114 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 1853.] Seventh-month 13. Since the foregoing date niy book of notes has been lying by without addition. And now, looking back, I see that between two and three months of time is soon gone. During this season, so far, we have been remarkably blessed as to health in our dear family ; and health has prevailed in the town and neighborhood generally — the grateful remembrance whereof should be often present. I have been steadily engaged in my daily occupation, as an of- ficer in the state bank ; A. C. Blanchard still being the president of our branch, and Charles F. Coffin, the teller and clerk. Another institution has been set up, called the "Citizens' Bank," in which, Robert Morrison, A. C. Blanchard, and C. F. Coffin are the partners. I have finished writing my little book of "Scripture Exercises on the Gospel according to St. Matthew," and the same is now in the hands of stereotypcrs. I am making some progress in another, on the Gospel according to St. Mark. These give me much labor and attention ; but it proves to have an edifying and supporting tendency on the mind. The railway hence to Eaton and Hamilton via Cincinnati, is in successful operation. Passenger trains are dispatched and arrive daily. The Indiana Central Railway is in successful operation to Centerville. The work west of Centerville is progressing rapidly. Passenger trains go once, and back to Dayton, daily. The present season was pleasant, in the fore part, with sufficient rain for the crops. A little later it was considerably dry in some places. Wheat and hay are yielded in fair average ; the oats is said to be pretty good — and corn looks well. There is. also, a pros- pect of plenty of fruits. The weather has been extremely warm during a part of this month ; the thermometer, at its highest, ninety-two to ninety-four degrees, but it is now more pleasant. Seventh-month 27. — -Monthly Meeting. A memorial of our de- parted friend Jeremiah Hubbard, was read to-day, and referred to a committee for some emendation, if found necessary. We have had a fine rain, within a few days past. Eiyhth-month 25. — Fifth-day. — My wife and self have been en- gaged, since last Seventh-day, with several other member's of the Yearly Meeting's committee, in attending the Monthly Meetings [1853. LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 115 belonging to New Garden Quarter. The service, on our part, has been attended to under much physical weakness, and, at times, of mental depression ; but, notwithstanding, it has afforded us satis- faction. We came home from Dover to-day. The other mem- bers who have been out with us propose attending the Quarterly Meeting. 28th. — For a few evenings past a beautiful comet, has been vis- ible in the western part of the heavens, near the horizon. Its tail extends pretty directly upward, seven or eight degrees. 29th. — Our friends, Daniel Barker and Lydia his wife, from North Carolina, traveling on a religious visit, staid with us last night. They left this morning by railway for Ohio Yearly Meeting. Ninth-month 1. — There is an awful visitation of yellow-fever at New Orleans. About two hundred die daily. 27th. — Our Yearly Meeting of Ministers and Elders convened at ten this morning. We had. acceptably with us in attendance Susan R. Smith, of Burlington, New Jersey ; Susan Howland, from New Bedford, Mass. : and her companions Nathan Breed, and Mary his wife, from Lynn, Mass. ; Daniel Barker, and Lydia, his wife, from North Carolina ; Nathan Douglas, and Wm. B. Thomson, both from Maine. We had a favored meeting. At three, P. M., our Meeting for Sufferings was held. 28th. — Public Meeting at eleven. Indian committee, at three P. M. Central Book and Tract, at six P. M. All pretty largely attended. 29th. — Y T early Meeting convened to-day at ten. Continued by adjournments until Third-day, Tenth-month 4th. The meeting was largely attended ; yet not so largely, perhaps, as on some former occasions. The business was conducted throughout in much good feeling and brotherly fellowship. A memorial on the subject of tem- perance, addressed to the Legislatures of Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, and Iowa, was adopted with much unity. The meeting succeeded, before its close, in making up by subscription in the body of the meeting, the balance wanting to complete the sum ef sixteen thou- sand dollars, for finishing the boarding-school buildings. So it ap- pears that work, which has been so long lying in an unfinished state, may now be prosecuted to completion. A committee was set apart on revision of Discipline, with reference to printing a new edition. 116 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 1853.] My little book of ''Scripture Exercises," on the Gospel according to St. Matthew, is now finished and printed, and offered for sale. I have made some progress with the book of St. Mark. We have very fine weather this fall ; — the crops are generally good ; and fruit, plentiful. General good health prevails. The yellow fever at New Orleans, which has raged so awfully, has sub- sided, and the scourge appears to be passing off. Over eight thou- sand have died, from Fifth-month 28, to Tenth-month 1. Our dear friend, David Miles, was so badly stunned and wound- ed by a fall from the west end of the railway bridge, on Second- day evening, Tenth-month 3, as he was passing on toward Levi Jes- sup's, that he died on the next day. Tenth-month 8. — Seventh- day . — The Central Indiana Railway is opened this day, through to Indianapolis ; the first trip was made with the cars to-day through from Dayton to Indianapolis. 21st. — Sixth-day. — The Yearly Meeting of Friends, in London, having caused their address against slavery and the slave trade to be presented, through their deputations set apart for that purpose, to many of the governments of Europe ; also to the government of Brazil, in South America ; their present deputation consisting of Josiah Forster, William Forster, John Candler, and Wm. Holmes, have proceeded to the United States, to present the Address to our general government, at Washington City ; and, also, to the state go- vernments, severally, as they, in the progress of their work, may see it proper. They have been to Washington City and presented their address to the President ; since that, they have presented it to the govornors of Virginia, Ohio and Kentucky; and on their way to Indianapolis, to present it to the governor of Indiana, they arrived at Richmond, from Cincinnati, this evening. Josiah Forster and John Candler, made their home at my house, and William Forster and William Holmes, at Charles'. 22d. — The four Friends visited some of their acquaintances. 23d. — They attended our meeting at Whitewater. John Candler and William Forster spoke in the ministry acceptably. 24th. — Our friends visited the boarding-school, and, also, some families of their acquaintance. 25th — They set off, at eight A. M., in the cars, to Indianapolis, to seek an interview with Governor Joseph A. Wright. [1853. LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 117 CHAPTER VI. Passage of Nebraska Bill. — Journey to Eastern Cities. — Yearly Meeting at Newport, R. I. — Return Home. — Indiana Ybarly Meeting. — Visit to the West. — N. C. Hoag and Wm. Hobbs. — Prayer. — Visit to North Carolina. Eleventh-month 17. — This day brings with it very serious reflec- tions. I am fifty-five years old to-day. We hear that our friends were received and treated very civilly by our governor. Twelfth-month 3. — This is our Quarterly Meeting time. The meeting has been attended, and we have had a good meeting. Jar- ed Patterson, Francis W. Thomas and Samuel Bonine, were in at- tendance, with minutes from their meetings. The fall and early part of the winter have been very mild and agreeable. We have had no severe cold yet, and scarcely any snow. Health is very good ; the products of the country, plentiful, and the prices good. War is commenced between Turkey and Russia. 5th. — Went to Indianapolis this day by the Central Railway : the cars have been going for some time past, but this is my first trip. Quick, to what it used to be on horseback, or by stage-coach. We were upon the road nearly four hours. 20th. — This morning the thermometer was down to two degrees below zero. There is a little snow on the ground. 23d — Severely cold. A piercing wind from the west, during the day. Thermometer in the evening, four degrees above zero, and in the morning of 24th, three degrees above zero. 24th. — Yery fine, but cold. First-month 20, 1854. — -This morning, my beloved brother, Paul Coffin, died, at a little past seven o'clock; aged sixty-nine years and about ten months. He had been much afflicted, for several years with neuralgia ; and this disease, settling upon his bowels and vita parts with increased symptoms, was considered to be the cause of hi.-, death. The event was not unexpected to him. He had caused hi.- outward affairs to be settled and adjuster!, and his mind had, it 118 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1854. is believed, become fully resigned to the expected change. Ho hoped and believed that he had obtained peace with God, and his end was quiet, and appeared to be perfectly peaceful. He had ex- pressed some feeling, when conversing with his wife previously to his decease, at the thought of leaving her behind, they having lived to- gether deeply attached in marriage union, for more than forty years. 21st. — -Seventh -day. —I received the notice, this morning, of the decease of my dear brother ; and made haste to reach their dwell- ing before the appointed hour in the afternoon for the burial. The day was extremely cold : but a very respectable, quiet, and kind company were in attendance, and rendered all necessary assist- ance in the solemn and last service of committing the remains to the grave. 22d. — Attended Friends' Meeting at Bethel to-day. The night very severely cold. 23d. — Thermometer twelve degress below zero, this morning. By a letter dated the 27th ultimo, at Nashville, Tennessee, writ- ten by our beloved friend Josiah Forster, we are informed that the four Friends, constituting the deputation from the Yearly Meeting of London to present their address on the slave trade and slavery 5 proceeded on their journey from Indianapolis to Illinois ; from Illi- nois to Wisconsin; from Wisconsin to Missouri ; from Missouri, far down the Mississippi River, to Louisiana ; from Louisiana to Mis- sissippi; from Mississippi to Alabama; from Alabama to Georgia; from Georgia to South Carolina; from South Carolina to Tennessee, where they were on the 27th ultimo. Josiah writes that all the governors whom they had been with, had listened kindly and re- spectfully to them. By a note from Josiah Forster, written on the 11th and 12th in- stant, postmarked at Campbell's Station, Tennessee, we are informed that William Forster was seized with serious illness on the 4th in- stant, and that the party were stopped on account thereof at a place near the Holstein, about eight miles from Newberry Meeting of Friends. Second-month 10. — By a note received from Josiah Forster, we have the sad and affecting intelligence of the decease, at the place last named, of our dear and valued friend William Forster, on Sixth-day the 27th of last month ; and of his burial at Friends- ville (Newberry), on the 29th. His loss will be deeply felt through- 1854.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIlf. 119 out our religious Society in England and America. The other mem- bers of the party proceed onward toward North Carolina. 21st. — We have had changeable weather, but very little of a severe degree of cold. The price of flour at Cincinnati rose to seven dollars the barrel, a little while past; but has receded to about six dollars seventy-five cents. 22d. — xMonthly Meeting. My dear wife obtained the concurrence of the meeting to visit the families of West Grove Monthly Meet- ing, in the love of the truth. Third-month 11#— My dear wife set off this morning, having Jonathan and Mary Roberts for companions, to West Grove Monthly Meeting, to be held to-day; expecting to proceed with her visit after meeting. 17th. — My dear wife returned home, having performed her visit to the families, to the relief of her mind. The weather, for some time past, has been remarkable pleasant, Fifih-montli 24th. — We were exceedingly grieved this morning with the intelligence that the Congress of the United States has passed what is termed the " Nebraska Bill," which opens the way for the admission of slavery into the new territories of vast extent, if the settlers there should so elect. My wife and self having for some time past entertained the pros- pect of a journey eastward, as far as New England, and having a desire, that if Providence should afford us ability, to attend the next Yearly Meeting of Friends in Rhode Island, if our Friends at home should unite with it, our case was opened to them at our Monthly Meeting to-day, and submitted to their consideration. The meeting freely uniting therewith, a minute was made accord- ingly. 31st. — A committee appointed by our last Yearly Meeting to take into consideration our present Discipline, and propose to next Yearly Meeting such emendations and alterations as may appear to them proper to be made before printing a new edition, met this afternoon, and made considerable progress. Sixth-month 1 to 3. — Our Meeting for Sufferings and Quarterly Meeting were held. The Discipline committee having passed through the book, and agreed on sundry emendations, and some alterations, referred the care of arranging them to a sub-committee. 5th. — Second-day. — We set out this morning at nine o'clock A. 120 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1^54. M. on our eastern journey. Our daughter, Hannah Amelia, also set off at the same time, on a visit to her brother and sister Ladd via Cincinnati, and thence, up the Ohio river to Steubenville. I and my dear wife proceeded directly to Dayton, thence to Sandusky, thence by lake shore railroad to Cleveland, where we found the splendid steamer "St. Lawrence" waiting for our cars. We went aboard at about eight o'clock P. m., and the boat was moved off immediately for Buffalo. We passed a comfort- able night on the boat, in her progress across lake Erie, and arrived at Buffalo next morning at about seven o'clocl^A. m. 6th. — At nine o'clock we took the cars for Niagara Falls, where we passed the day. At this wonderful place, there is much to in- terest and entertain the thoughtful mind. The awful grandeur and sublimity of the scene, afford matter for deep reflection. My dear wife had not seen this great curiosity before: to me, the sublime scene and ceaseless roar seemed entirely familiar, the impressions made on my mind in 1851, having been so deep and vivid. We returned to Buffalo in the evening. 7th. — Proceeded from Buffalo, by the New York Central Bail- road to Albany, where we stopped. gth. — Enjoyed a walk about Albany this morning; visited the public grounds about the State-house ; ascended to the top of the State-house, where we had a fine and interesting view of the city and neighborhood ; then returning to our hotel, soon set off for Boston. We were interested in the country, and the various towns through which we passed on our way. Dined at Springfield ; and arrived at Boston about five o'clock p. m. We made but little stay here, proceeded forwarded pretty soon to Lynn, at which place we were kindly entertained by our beloved friends Samuel Boyce and Eliza his wife. 9th. — Our friend Samuel Boyce most kindly took us to Nahant, which was an interesting ride, and afforded my dear wife the oppor- tunity of seeing, for the first time, the great ocean. Returning, we dined with our friends Nathan and Mary Breed, and then set out for Newport, by the way of Boston and Fall River. We spent, per- haps, an hour in Boston, most of the time in a hack, by which we were enabled to see considerable of the city. We arrived at New- port in ttie evening, and stoppeo with our friend Mary Williams, 1854.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 121 at whose house we had an agreeable home during our stay at New- port. 10th. — The Yearly Meeting of Ministers and Elders began at nine o'clock, which we attended — and afterward another sitting in the afternoon. The accounts rendered by Lindley M. Hoag, in writing, and by Eli and Sybil Jones, verbally, and the certificates and documents by them produced, relative to their visit to Europe, and of the latter to Africa and Europe, were deeply interesting and moving. The account of Friends in Norway is very remark- able. At five o'clock p. m., the Meeting for Sufferings was held, which I attended. 11th. — First-day. — Two *neetings ; both large and orderly. 12th.' — Second-day. — Yearly Meeting convened at nine o'clock A. M. Then another sitting was held in the afternoon. It has been estimated that about seven hundred and fifty persons attend these Meetings for Discipline. I should think the number was under, rather than over that, this year. The Yearly Meeting continued from day to day, until Sixth-day, the 16th, when it closed. It has been very satisfactory to us to attend this Yearly Meeting. We have felt much unity and fellowship with our friends, and have been received and treated by them with great cordiality. On Sixth-day afternoon we went to Fall River ; home with our beloved friends Jacob and Lucy Vining. Next day visited several of the manufacturing establishments, and dined with our friends Elizabeth Shove and daughter. After visiting the linen mill in the afternoon, we went to New Bedford. 18th. — First-day.- — I was sick last night, and not able to go to the forenoon meeting. We have a pleasant home with our dear friend Susan Howland. In the afternoon attended First-day school, con- ducted by Henry T. Wood and others ; afterward meeting. Then took tea with Matthew Howland and his amiable wife, who is the daughter of Susan R. Smith, who also was present, much to our satisfaction. 19th. — Visited a whale ship by the kind assistance of Cornelius Howland ; rode around New Bedford for a short time ; made a short call at our beloved friend Wm. C. Taber's; then, at ten o'clock a. m., left in the cars for Providence. 9 122 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1854. 20th. — Staid last night with our beloved friends John and Eliza- beth Header, after having taken supper with our beloved friends Samuel Boyd Tobey and Sarah B., his wife, and their family. To- day we visited the boarding-school, in which we were much inter- ested. We had the company of our friends Elizabeth Meader and Sarah B. Tobey, and afterward of Dr. S. B. Tobey. Returned to John Meader's, and rested until after tea in the evening ; then took the railroad cars for Stonington, on our way to New York. We arrived at Stonington at about three P. m., and went at once aboard of the steamer for New York. The day had been hot ; it was, therefore, agreeable to find the air of the sound so pleasant and re- freshing as it was. 21st. — Arrived safely in New York early, and went to the house of our friend David Sands, to breakfast. We attended Friends' meeting in New York, and in the afternoon visited the great steam- ship " Pacific," the Colored Orphan Asylum and the Crystal Palace. We returned to David Sands', and passed a pleasant even- ing with several friends who came in. 22d. — Left New York at nine o'clock A. m., by railroad, across New Jersey, for Philadelphia, at which place we arrived about one o'clock P. M. We staid with our friend Isaac Collins. Took sup- per with A. M. Kimber and wife, where we had the company of Enoch Lewis and some others. Called for a few minutes in the afternoon, to see our beloved friends Thomas Evans and wife. 23d. — Left at seven o'clock a. m. for Pittsburg, by the central Pennsylvania route. This is a very interesting route to travel. We pass through a finely -improved country until we come to the mountains ; then the ascent to cross the mountains, the tunnel and the fine prospects connected with the route in various places, can not fail to interest the mind of the traveler. We arrived at Pitts- burg about one o'clock in the morning. 24th. — After breakfast we had a walk about town ; then went to a boat which was to descend the Ohio, and left at ten o'clock A. M. for Steubenville. From Steubenville, we went by carriage to Rich- mond, 0., and thence to the residence of our children Wm. H. and Caroline E. Ladd, with whom, and our daughter Hannah A., who was there, we were gratified to meet, and find in good health. 28th. — Having staid a few days with our dear children, we set out about noon to-day homeward, our daughter H. with us. To 1854.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 123 Hammondsville by carriage ; our friend Robert Talbott with. us. Thence by railway to Cleveland, where we staid at the American House, a comfortable hotel. 29th. — A little walk about town before breakfast ; then soon after, to the cars for Sandusky, by the way of the lake shore. We were at Sandusky at half-past eleven ; at Dayton at five ; and at home at seven o'clock P. m. It was truly pleasant to arrive at our own dear home. I believe that we are sensible that much sincere grate- fulness of heart is due from us to the Maker of Heaven and Earth, and Supreme Ruler of all that he has made, for his mercy and goodness to us, and the favors we have had, in the performance of this long and interesting journey. My dear wife's health, though imperfect, is better than when we set out. Our daughter Hannah A. has enjoyed her visit to her sister and sister's husband and their family much ; and returns delighted with it. The review of our journey to New England, and our visit to our friends where we went, their kindness, affection and fellowship, ap- pears pleasant and sweet to us. Seventh-month. — Previously to leaving home upon our journey to New England, I had entered into an agreement with John B. Posey, to build a dwelling-house for me and my family, on Washington street, in Richmond, near our present dwelling, with a view to oc- cupy it, and for our son "Charles and his family to take possession and occupy the house where we now live. J. B. P. has made some progress with the building in our absence. The weather during the summer thus far, has been noted for being very warm ; the average degree of health appears to have been quite about the usual average. Fears were entertained that the wheat crop would be very far short of the usual product, say not exceeding half; but it turns out better than was anticipated. The general health in this vicinity is very good. Eighth- month. — During last month and the present, I have been closely engaged in my usual occupation in my office at the Branch of the State Bank. My physical strength has not been large, yet weak in body as I am, I have been permitted to enjoy pretty good health, and have been enabled to get through with a good deal of business. 124 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1854. Our new dwelling-house still progresses. The weather is still remarkably hot, and a general drought prevails. It is believed the crop of corn must be greatly shortened thereby. 20th. — First-day. — On this day, in meeting time, an awful and thrilling event occurred at Milford ; the clothing of our dear friend Margaret White having taken fire, by which she was so sadly burned that she died in the evening. A general feeling of sympathy and sorrow prevails among her numerous friends and'acquaintance. 22d. — The funeral of our friend Margaret White took place to- day ; after which, a solemn meeting was held. We were present. 23d. — Monthly Meeting. Our friend Wm. G. Johnson from North Carolina, was present. He staid with us over the night. Ninth-month 4. — Elizabeth Meader, and her companions, Thomas S. GriiFord and Ruth, his wife, now engaged in a religious visit in these parts, arrived at our house this morning. We are glad to give them a cordial reception. 5th. — They went forward intending to attend the meetings of Spiceland Quarterly Meeting, or a part of them. 7th. — We commenced removing into our new house to-day. On the 10th, the decease of our dear friend William Hobbs took placed Ninth-month 14. — We have had many cares and perplexities in getting removed and settled in our new house ; yet a good Provi- dence has blessed us in health, and we feel as comfortable as we could at all expect, in our new home. The weather has been very dry for some time past, and the crops of corn, Irish potatoes, and some other vegetables, are thereby made to come much short of what they otherwise would. 23d. — We have been much engaged in arranging and fixing up our premises, in connection with our ordinary calling. 25th. —Our friends Elizabeth Meader and her companions have returned, preparatory to attending the Yearly Meeting. 27th. — The committee on the Discipline met this morning. The emendations, etc. were read, and settled upon ; and a report to the Yearly Meeting adopted. The first public Meeting for Worship held as a part of the Yearly Meeting, was held at the usual hour to-day, and pretty largely attended. The Yearly Meeting of Min- isters and Elders, and the Meeting for Sufferings held their 1854.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 125 first sittings yesterday, in harmony and much good feeling. The Indian committee met in the afternoon to-day, as usual. Ninth-month 28. — Fifth-day. — The Yearly Meeting convened to- day, largely attended. Our friends Elizabeth Header, Nathaniel Sands, John Scott and William Gr. Johnson, in attendance ; also Thomas S. GTifford and Euth B., his wife, companions to E. Header. The usual business of the first sitting was transacted. Two epistles are received from Ohio, showing that a separation has taken place in that Yearly Meeting. A joint committee of men and women Friends were appointed to take the documents under consideration, and report to next sitting. 29th. — The committee made report in favor of recognizing as Ohio Yearly Meeting, that body of which Jonathan Binns is clerk, which was very fully united with, and adopted without dissent. The meeting progressed with its business in much good feeling and Christian condescension, until the afternoon of Third-day, .Tenth-month 3, when it came to a solemn close. The proposed revision of the Discipline, including the emenda- tions, alterations and additions, was agreed to, and ten thousand copies of the book were ordered to be printed. Our friend Nathaniel Sands, accompanied by his son David Sands, and Paulina, his wife, from New York, who did not reach here on the day of the Meeting of Ministers and Elders, arrived on Fourth- day morning, the 27th, and attended afterward. A request for a new Yearly Meeting was entertained, and - a com- mittee appointed to visit those making the request, in regard thereto. Many other matters of interest were acted upon in much unity and brotherly feeling. Tenth-month 8. — Soon after the close of the Yearly Meeting the heart-touching intelligence reached us, of the loss at sea of the great steamship " Arctic," with about four hundred persons on board, who all perished, excepting perhaps about fifty. Among those who perished were our dear and valued friend Mahlon Day of New York, and his wife and daughter. We have been deeply moved at this affecting intelligence, confirmed as it is by sundry statements appearing for several days in succession. 21st. — I have been out this week on a journey to the west, on the business of the bank. Went on the first day by railway to 126 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1854 Terre Haute ; thence by private conveyance next day, toward Yin- cennes ; staid at a village called Carlisle, near the Shaker Prairie, and reached Yincennes a little before noon next day ; then in the afternoon by railroad to Evansville ; next day back again, on the same route, to Yincennes, and so on, to Terre Haute, and home. The weather has been fine, and tne trip interesting, refreshing and? in general, agreeable. The weather is very fine this month. Our business at the bank is laborious and confining. The amount of business is greater, and the financial difficulties now in the country, make the management more laborious. Eleventh-month 30. — Since the last date above, I have been at home, blessed and in good health, and exceedingly engaged in my outward occupation at the bank. The printing of the Minutes of our late Yearly Meeting, and of our Discipline, have engaged a portion of my attention and labor. The weather has in general been mild for the season. Our beloved friend Nathan C. Hoag died on the 26th, and was buried on the 28th inst. By the death of this beloved brother, and our dear and valued friend and relation, and brother in the truth, William Hobbs, who departed this life on the 10th of the Ninth- month, we have lost two valuable Elders and fathers in the Church . They were both believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, who embraced the doctrines of the gospel as they are revealed in the Holy Scrip- tures, and preached them to others, endeavoring at the same time to make their own lives conformable thereto. William Hobbs was a Friend of good abilities, and by his good Christian example had great influence, which was still more extended by his labors of love, and for the good of the Church, while in the station of Elder. In the latter part of his life, he was acknowledged and recorded as a Minister, and traveled considerably in that capacity. Nathan C. Hoag was an able and gifted minister of the New Testament, who traveled very extensively in America. They were both men whose thorough soundness in the Christian faith, procured for them the respect of sound Christian people of other professions, whese they became known. William Hobbs was buried at Spiceland, and Nathan C. Hoag at Carthage. Twelfth-month 14. — We have now examined the last proof sheets of the Discipline, including the index to the work, prepared by my- 1855.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 127 self. It is expected that the printing will be finished this week. I believe that our Discipline is greatly improved by this revision, and by the additions which it has received. Some dissatisfaction was expressed in the Yearl} T Meeting with that portion relating to loss of the right of membership by going out in marriage. I was in favor of it as it now stands in the revised work, and hope it may have a fair trial. If, in practice, it should not be found to work well, it can be altered ; and this was the view the Yearly Meeting took of it. The introduction into the forepart of our book, of our Declarations of Christian Faith, appears to be very satisfactory to Friends. The additions in regard to the Holy Scriptures, the First- day of the week, and some other points, also afford much satis- faction. Our boarding-school is progressing under the administration of our beloved friend David Hunt, to quite as good, if not better satisfaction, than heretofore. The number is nearly seventy : and the scholars in attendance are mostly pretty well advanced to the growth and age of young men and women. It is always interesting to ones feelings to visit them and be among them. The buildings are pro- gressing finely. The walls of the new parts are now up, and the roof is in progress. It is a great addition to the appearance, and will be still greater to the convenience, and we may hope, usefulness of the Institution to have these buildings finished. I am not now a member of the boarding-school committee, but I attended, and heard the Scripture reading on the last First-day morn- ing in the girls' department. Twelfth -month 15. — Attended Friend's school, at Rich-square, John Macy, teacher ; nearly seventy scholars; a profitable school. I have no doubt. My dear wife and several members of the branch committee and of their Monthly Meeting committee were in at- tendance. Staid at Joel Johnson's, much to our satisfaction. Seconcl-montli 3, 1855 — TTe were thoughtful yesterday, that it was the date of our marriage union, in one thousand eight hun- dred and twenty, so that we have now been permitted to live to- gether, in this state thirty-five years. We are made to know in various ways, of the increase of age upon us. Gray hairs are appearing, and we are not able to bear the same endurance of la- bor, physical or mental, that we have been equal to in earlier life. But in the goodness of a gracious Providence, we have, for a long 128 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 1855.] time past, been blessed with many outward comforts, and are still in the enjoyment of them. These we desire to commemorate, and that our hearts may be duly sensible of, and truly thankful for. Moreover we have been permitted, greatly unworthy as we have been, to enjoy much sweetness of religious fellowship together, and with others in the church, a favor greatly adding to our comfort and happiness, and no less calling for the gratefulness of our hearts than outward blessings. The fore part of the present winter was very mild for this cli- mate; but during the two weeks past, we have had real winter. An unusual quantity of snow has fallen, and now lies at a consider- able depth. The mercury was at one time about two degrees below zero. This morning it was two degrees above zero. Vegetables are scarce, this season, and provisions dear. Flour is four dol- lars the hundred pounds; meal fifty to sixty cents per bushel; beef six and a quarter ; Irish potatoes one dollar and fifty cents per bushel. My dear wife has been reading to us of evenings, the Memoirs of Joseph John Guerney ; a work which has been instructive and edify- ing, as well as very entertaining. On the 29th ultimo, we held the regular Quarterly Meeting of our book and tract committee, snowy and inclement as the day was ; and had an agreeable and comforting time together. Our new Dicipline is now published, and has been adopted into force by our Monthly Meeting. The accounts that have come to us this winter of the awful fight- ing, in the fall, of the combined armies of Turkey, England and France, against those of Russia, at Sebastopol, and in that region, are truly affecting. I have received very sweet letters from my beloved friends Sam- uel Boyd Tobey, Josiah Forster, Samuel Boyce and John Candler. Truly, it is cordial to have these testimonials of love and fellowship from distant brothers in the same faith and hope. 11th. — We have steady winter weather, with much snow on the ground. Sleighs haye been running with much facility for some time past. Our friend Thomas Lamb was run over by a locomotive on the railway, on Fourth-day afternoon, the seventh, by which he was so badly injured that he expired in a short time. He was buried ob 1855.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 129 Sixth-day morning, the ninth. A fresh warning to the living to be fit for sudden death. My dear wife is gone to Corwin to visit our children there, and expects to attend Miami Quarterly Meeting. I am making some progress with my Scripture exercises on Gen- esis. We are still reading; together, of evenings, the Memoirs of our beloved friend Joseph John Guerney, greatly to our interest and edification. James Bowden's second volume of his History of Friends in America, is received, and I am making some progress in read- ing it. Those most closely connected with Elijah Coffin were daily observers of his tender conscience and kind feelings, his uniform example of affectionate attention, with the gentle- manly bearing and dignity of character which were manifest in his social and religious, as well as in his business relations, and so adorned his whole demeanor that they won for him the confidence, love and esteem of his family, his friends and the public; yet he was "a man of like passions as we are," and had the same frailties of human nature to contend with, the same causes for humiliation and penitence at the footstool of mercy, that have marked the progress of the Christian since the "fall of man." The following touching prayer evinces the faithful record which he kept of the state of his mind, and the daily watchfulness which he main- tained over his conduct and expressions. 8eccmd->month 16.— Remember me, God, in thy mercy, and cast me not away. I acknowledge thy continued good and unmer- ited kindness toward me, unworthy as I am. Thou givest me much happiness by day and by night. Thou givest me excellent health, and those enjoyments which it enables me to take and relish. Thou givest me food to the extent of my desire. Thou givest me cloth- ing, neat, comfortable, and plentiful, and all that I could wish. Thou givest me great domestic felicity with my family, in my home 130 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1855. and with my friends. And yet, amidst all these blessings, my dis- position and my conduct has fallen far short of being what it should be. I have frequently been fretful in temper and in words, in my own family. I have frequently shown something of the same to others, with whom I have had intercourse, thereby wounding their feelings, and discrediting my own profession before them, and in thy sight. I fear I have sometimes been wanting in generosity, and in sufficient hospitality and kindness to my friends. Enable me, Lord ! to repent, thoroughly, for all those sins, and every other. God! forgive me ! In the greatness of thy mercy pass by and blot out all my transgressions, and remember my sins no more. Let all the sins of my youth be forgotten before thee. Pardon me, in mercy, for Christ's sake. Cover up my errors in the face of my people, and those whom I have offended, and cause them to forgive and forget everything which has been sinful or improper. But, good and holy One! keep me in vivid remem- brance of my many transgressions and weakness, as a continued warning for the future. give me thy Holy Spirit plentifully, ac- cordingly as thou mayst see fit for me. Help me to be humble before thee, and before all men. Help me to be deeply grateful to thee for thy everlasting goodness and mercy, through Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen. TJurd-month 2. — Quarterly Meeting of Ministers and Elders, at Milford. We had a good meeting, truly encouraging and edifying because of the evidence, which was so sensibly felt over the meet- ing, that the Good Spirit was there. In the afternoon the Annual Meeting of the Whitewater auxili- ary Bible association was held. It was a good time. The best spirit prevailed, and the meeting ended in much satisfaction. 3d. — We heard this morning of the decease of our dear, long- loved, and valued friend Anna Moore, widow of Thomas Moore. The event was not unexpected- — yet it is very solemn. I have the best hope that her end is peace. She has long been an approved Minister of the gospel of Christ, in which I think she was a be- liever sincerely and unreservedly. We had a satisfactory Quarterly Meeting to-day. Most of the Monthly Meetings have received and adopted the new Discipline. 5th. — We attended the burial of our dear friend Anna Moore, at Milford. A solemn meeting was held previously to the interment. 1855.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIX. 131 Fourth-month 20. — We were truly gladdened by the arrival of our two very dear daughters, Caroline and Mary, on a visit. Caro- line appears to be in fine health, and Mary in her usual health. It gave us great pleasure to receive them. 21st. — We attended Springfield Monthly Meeting at Nettle Creek : our friend Levi Jessup with us : went with others. I appointed to the service by the Quarterly Meeting's branch com- mittee on education. On First-day morning, the 22d, we attended their Scripture school at the same place — then meeting. In the afternoon we visited the Scripture school at West River. 28th.- — Our dear William manifests a decided inclination to re- move to Kansas — and has sold his farm near Milton, with that in- tent. We are much concerned about him and his dear family, in regard thereto. It would be much more satisfactory to us. if they could see their way clear to remain near us. in this part of the country. Fifth-month 1. — TTe hear that our dear William is setting off about this time, without his family, intending first to go and see Kansas again, and also see whether he can arrange to suit himself. Our dear Caroline started homeward to-day — Mary having gone a few days before. Their visit has been very cordial to us. Our First-day school for Scriptural instruction was opened on the 15th of last month, with eighty-seven scholars. We were not looking for so large an attendance at first. On the 22d, over one hundred attended : and nearly one hundred on the 29th. It is a great but interesting charge. Our dear Hannah Amelia is in the boarding-school this session, and appears to be in fine health and spirits. We have finished reading the Memoirs of Joseph John a work in which we have been deeply interested, and much edified. We are now reading the Life of Elizabeth Fry. by Susannah Cot 3 She was indeed a most extraordinary woman, greatly gifted, and a remarkable instrument for good. Sixth-month 4. — We have as yet had very little hot weather this year ; but vegetation is progressing pretty rapidly, and we have been blessed with fine rains. Our Meeting for Sufferings and Quarterly Meeting are just past. We have certainly had a favored time together. Our friends Grec : 132 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1855. Carter and Thomas Arnett, both Ministers of years and much ex- perience were present, and had acceptable service. On yesterday (First-day), in public Meeting for Worship, our younger friends Daniel H. liutchins and Ellwood Ozbun, were both extensively en- gaged, and with moving effect. 9th. — We have received letters from our dear William in Kansas, which relieve us of considerable anxiety on his account, having heard that there was cholera on the Missouri Biver. He gives a very favorable account of the country — and a better prospect that slavery will not be admitted into it, than we were expecting. But he re- serves much for future information. We hear to-day that the Yearly Meeting of London has accepted the epistle from the Yearly Meeting in Ohio, of which Jonathan Binns is clerk, the same body which we have recognized as the true Yearly Meeting. This intelligence is truly comfortable to us^ but we must keep low. The Yearly Meeting, in New York, just past, has, as we had ex- pected, accepted correspondence from the same meeting. 11th. — By a letter received to-day from my beloved friend John Allen, the account of the decision of the Yearly Meeting in London is confirmed. This seems to us as truly good news from a foreign land. ,While I ought to be thankful, and to endeavor to dwell in great humility, lest some improper feeling of exaltation should creep in, I entertain the hope and confidence that this decision will tend much toward the settlement of the Society in this country, as well as in Europe; and have some effect in staying the plague of jealousy, stiffness, and division, which have obtained too much place in some parts. 12th. — A Public Meeting was held last evening, numerously at- tended, to demonstrate the public joy, at the passage of the total prohibition Liquor Law, and to make provision for having it carried into effect in this town and vicinity. An excellent feeling prevailed. The law goes into operation to-day. We have had profuse rains. All vegetation is progressing rapidly. David Hampton died of cholera to-day, at nine o'clock A. M. Seventh-month 12. — Our son Charles and his wife set off this morning on a journey eastward, intending to proceed by the way 1855.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 133 of Buffalo and Niagara Falls, across Lake Ontario, to Montreal ; thence to Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and other places. Although my cares and labors will, no doubt, be greatly increased during Charles' absence, I am glad for them to have the relaxation, entertainment and instruction which, it is hoped, this journey may afford them. 20th. — We have received interesting letters from our son William, in Kansas. He has purchased a claim eleven miles west of Leaven- worth, and is preparing a dwelling, and for farming. The weather here is now extremely hot. On the IStli, the mercury stood at ninety-six degrees. Wheat harvest has been progressing. Wheat is said to be remarkably good, both as to quality and the amount yielded. Irish potatoes are also remark- ably good ; they never grew better, perhaps, in this country. The products of the meadows are also very fine; and the oats crop is excellent. Corn also promises well ; so that it is said all the crops are uncommonly good. There is much to call forth our devout gratitude for the many blessings with which our happy country is so highly favored. Good general health, among the rest, though one of the best, is enjoyed by the citizens. We are nearly through the Memoirs of Elizabeth Fry, in which we have been greatly interested and edified. 23d. — My beloved wife set off this morning to join other mem- bers of the committee of our last Yearly Meeting, to visit the Quarterly Meetings of Blue River, Union, Western, Whitelick, and Concord, on their request, for the establishment of a new Yearly Meeting. Eighth-month 4. — The weather has continued very warm, and we have had much wet. Our son Charles, and Rhoda his wife, returned this morning from their long visit to the eastward, in good health, and thankful for their favors. We hear to-day that our son William has also returned home from Kansas to his family. In the evening, after the foregoing was written, our dear children, William and Sarah, came in on a visit, much to our rejoicing. William appears very well after his long journey, and comes home with a high opinion of Kansas, as a beautiful, productive and healthful new country. 131 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1855. 13th. — My clear wife is still absent with the Yearly Meeting's committee, on their visit to the five Quarterly Meetings. We have been favored with health and as large a share of happiness as we ought to expect. How are we continually reminded by the favors we have of the gratitude which should flow in our hearts toward the Good Giver of our blessings. The weather has still continued wet, and the vegetation is extra- ordinary. I can not remember ever to have seen a season that favored almost all productions so remarkably. I have been so incessantly employed in our ordinary business, that my progress in my Scripture Exercises on Genesis has been slow. I have, however, made some progress; and if life and ability be continued, hope to get through this book soon. I have been reading Marcy's Exploration of the lied River, and am now engaged in the Explorations of the Amazon, which works afford me entertainment at intervals not otherwise taken up. 25th. — This day is Concord Quarterly Meeting. My wife hav- ing returned home from White-lick for a little rest, we proceeded together, by railway, to attend this meeting. We have found the meeting to be a large one, and the body of Friends composing it, to be an interesting one. It has afforded me interest and satisfaction to attend not only their Quarterly Meeting, but the Meeting of Minis- ters and Elders, and their education, African, and book and tract committees, and their Bible Meeting. We returned home on Second-day morning the 28th. Ninth-month 12. — Our central book and tract committee, at their last meeting, having had the subject before them, of issuing a tract containing a brief Statement of our Christian Doctrines, the care of compiling such a tract has rested much upon me. Having compiled and arranged the matter for such a tract, the committee held a meeting to-day to hear it, and judge of its suitableness. After the reading and considerable discussion, and some emendations, the tract was approved, and directed to be forwarded to our Meet- ing for Sufferings. A very good spirit prevailed. 22d. — I have finished my Scripture Exercises on the Book of Genesis, preparatory to going to press. It has given me much in- teresting labor. I hope it may be printed this fall, and do some good in helping forward the good work for which it is made out. This is my object. 1855.] l LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 135 Our beloved children, Wm. H. and Caroline E. Ladd, came in this evening on a visit of a few days. It was joyful to us to meet them in good health and spirits. 21th. — To-day the public school was opened in the Union school- house, in Richmond. The school is opened under promising cir- cumstances, superintended by J. Hurty, with about five hundred in attendance. 21th. — Having entertained for a long time, a desire to visit our native country of North Carolina, and attend the Yearly Meeting of Friends in that state, my wife and myself laid the prospect be- fore our Monthly Meeting to-day, and received the unity and con- currence of our friends therein, and a minute was made out ex- pressive thereof, a copy of which was supplied to us. 2Gth. — We set off upon our journey this morning at half past ten o'clock, by railroad, and passed Dayton, Xenia, Columbus and Newark to Zanesville, where we took supper about dark. Thence to the Ohio River at Bellair, and by steamboat across to the Balti- more and Ohio Railroad, below Wheeling. We proceeded during the night across the mountains, and came to Cumberland early on the 27th : thence by the same road to Baltimore, where we arrived about five o'clock p. m. It was truly pleasant to meet with a cor- dial reception at the house of our dear friend, Doctor R. H. Thomas, where we staid. 28th. — First-day. — Attended meeting in Baltimore, both in the morning and afternoon. Yisited our beloved friend Hugh Balder- ston and family in the evening. 29th. — In attempting to go forward upon our journey to the southward this morning, the carriage in which we rode to the rail- road depot, was upset, and we were shocked and somewhat bruised. But we had cause of gratefulness for preservation from worse in- juries. After returning and lying by quietly for a while, we pro- ceeded at three o'clock P. M. to Washington. It was so late in the afternoon when we reached Washington, that we had but little time by daylight to see the city and the pub- lic buildings. But we walked near the capitol ; then, taking a hack, we rode to the President's house, and tho four offices, state, treas- ury, war and navy ; by which time it became dark. We went to our hotel, having received kind attention from Jona- than Dennis, who resides in Washington, and from a daughter of 136 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1855. Isaac Brooks, of Baltimore, who had been with us in the cars. 30th. — We set off at six o'clock A. M., in the boat down the Po- tomac, to the station at Acquia Creek; thence by railroad, via Fredericksburg, Richmond and Petersburg to Weldon, where we took supper. Thence by night, via Goldsborough, to Raleigh, where we arrived about daylight on the morning of the 31st. We made no stop here, but proceeded by railroad toward Greens- borough. The iron rails not being laid through, we had fifteen miles by coach, and arrived at Greensborough between one and two o'clock r. 31. — thence, after dinner, by coach to New Garden. Eleventh-month 1. — We are fairly settled at the boarding-school for our home. Very solemn was our first visit to the meeting- house and grave-yard, last evening. The forests are particularly beautiful. Black, white and red oaks are the principal trees — among which are mixed, chesnuts and other trees. The house looks old to us, and appears smaller than it once did to us. Its size is thirty-five b}^ seventy feet, two stories high, divided into two equal rooms by a partition. It was built about the year 1791, as indicated by that date cut in a latch-plate on the partition door, which may be considered correct. It was the old house, long since gone, (not this building,) that was converted into a hospital for the wounded, by the British army, after the battle of Guilford in 1781. It was in this meeting-house that we were married in 1820. The grave-yard appears to be nearly twice as large as it was when we removed in 1821. Over all of the older part of the yard, the myrtle is thickly matted ; and the princely white oak still stands in the midst of that part. The grave of my dear honored mother is here, where she was buried in the Tenth-month, 1820---wkich we visited with very solemn feelings. In this yard were also buried mw grandfather and grandmother Coffin, and a large number of other near rela- tives. Here too we find the graves of many who were living, men and women, at the time of our removal in 1824. The reflections and associations upon this review were truly solemn, and served to refresh in our minds a lively sense, truly awful, of our own mortality. The following lines penned by Elijah Coffin on the death of his mother were " written at her Grave, 1855.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 137 years previous to the above date, while in the twenty- second year of his age. They are inserted here to preserve for his descendants the tribute of his affectionate heart to the memory of his honored parent.* ELEGY ON THE DEATH OF MY MOTHER. Departing soul, farewell! thy days on earth Must be no more. So God, allwise, ordains. Thy sufferings, Mother dear! affect my breast With anguish still! still rouse the tear of love And move my sympathetic heart to weep! But, (happy thought!) those sufferings were in body, Not in mind! How sad that night, when I (A near beholder of thy great distress,) Had not the power, the hand of sweet relief T' extend, but did, with anxious thought behold, My dear maternal guardian thus expire! So frail is man! — But thou art gone, and we Thee soon must follow! Thou hast trod the way And pointed out to us our final doom ! Diseased frames, distempered bodies frail And troubled souls! such thou hast left behind! From thee have pains and sorrows fled; by thee Are perfect quiet, rest and peace enjoyed. Then why should we, departed soul! now mourn Thy death, when it to thee, more joyful life Brings in? And when ourselves to such distress As thou hast often felt, are still subjected! There is no cause. Then let me now desist; And hold in grateful memory long thy care, Thy love maternal, and affection kind. Departed soul, adieu! while I'm confined In brittle clay! I soon must follow thee! And if we meet again, we part no morel New Garden, N. C, Tenth-month 12, 1820. We returned at dusk to the boarding-school. This morning, assisted by our kind friend and relation, John H. Hubbard, we visited the farm and dwelling once occupied by our honored parents, Benajah and Elizabeth Hiatt, where my wife was brought up in early life. The farm is mucli^ altered, and the * It is proper to remark that he claimed at no period of his life, any preten- sions to versification. 10 138 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1855. house has been permitted to decline. After a suitable stay about the premises, we went to Seaborn Hoskins', and remained with them until after dinner. Then called at Moses Hoskins', and made a short stay with him and his two sisters. Then to Sarah Stanley's, an aged widow whom we well knew in early life. Then to Stephen Macy's ; and I went to the well at the premises once occupied by my uncle Jesse Evans. We returned to the school in the evening. 2d. — Our friend John Russel called for us this morning, to take us in his carriage to Deep River meeting house, in order that I might attend the Meeting for Sufferings at that place. My wife, however, stopped at David Beard's near by, and after meeting we went to G-eorge C. Mendenhall's, where we had the agreeable com- pany of Amos and Edith Griffith, David and Rebecca T. Updegraff, their daughter, Sarah Jenkins, and Jane Young, from Canada. The Meeting for Sufferings consisted of twenty-five to thirty-five intelligent Friends, in whose proceedings I was interested. The Central Book and Tract Committee of Indiana Yearly^Meet- ing, having, as they believed, felt the need of a suitable tract, set- ting forth in a clear, short, yet full manner, without controversy, the Christian Doctrines of the Society of Friends, had compiled such an one, in which work I had taken an active interest. We felt the responsibility of such an undertaking deeply. After we had pre- pared the tract nearly ready for printing, aud had some proof sheets struck off, it was laid before our Meeting for Sufferings in the fore- part of the Tenth-month, and that body having approved of the tract, a minute was made authorizing the publication of fifteen thousand copies by the central committee. I had one of these proof sheets with me, and having informed Friends of what we in our country were doing in this matter, they caused the tract to be read — and the general approbation of the meeting thereof was expressed. A minute was made approving it, and the tract was sent forward to the Yearly Meeting. 3d. — We attended the Meeting of Ministers and Elders at Deep , River : about thirty -two men and thirty-eight women present. I considered it a solemn favored meeting. Dined at cousin Abel Cof- fin's and were taken back to New Garden in the afternoon, by our very kind friend John Russell. We returned to New Garden, by a different road from that we came, and were much interested in ob- serving the farms and dwellings as they now appear, and in think- 1855.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 139 ing of the changes which have taken place since the days of our youth. 4th. — First-day. — At Scripture reading last evening, I thought it right to offer to officiate as teacher in a Scripture school, to convene at nine A. M. this morning, which offer was accepted, and a consider- able number -of youth, and several of such as were advanced in years attended. We had a satisfactory time together; and it was concluded to meet again this evening for like exercises. At meeting at the regular hour. The house was filled below and the gallery, above stairs, was partly occupied. We had a favored meeting. It seems to us that the number in attendance was not nearly so large as it was customary to have been in the days of our youth, on this occasion. When we were seated in meeting, the prospect was, to me, very solemn. There were the seats before me which I used to occupy when a boy, and from that time until I was grown and married. The living multitude that then occupied those seats are not there now-' And the fathers, who occupied the seats in one of which I now sit where are they ? They are not here ; they are gone forever from the sight of men. These and other like considerations are very serious, and give fresh admonition that this world is not our home. In the afternoon we walked over to the farm and dwelling where we first settled after marriage. They have been suffered to decline greatly. A family of renters, in low circumstances, resided in the house, and were very kind to us. In the evening we attended again to our Scripture reading and ex- ercises, in which others present seemed to take a lively interest. 5th. — We rode to the place occupied by my honored parents at the time of my marriage and for about ten years before : but it be- gan raining, and we did not walk about much. Yearly Meeting for Discipline was opened at eleven A. M. We had a quiet and a good meeting. The business was proceeded with in about the usual manner, Aaron Stalker being the clerk. 6th. — The Yearly Meeting proceeded with business to-day har- moniously. 7th. — Fourth-day. — Meeting of Ministers and Elders at nine A.M. It was a precious time of very evident visitation of Divine love, About forty-two men and forty women present. 140 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1855. Public Meeting for Worship at eleven A. M. It was pretty largely attended, and was a good meeting. 8th. — Meeting for Sufferings at nine A. M. Yearly Meeting for Discipline at eleven A. M. 9th. — Sixth-day. — After a long sitting and the finishing of the business in harmony, the Yearly Meeting closed, late in the after- noon. Our Scripture exercises of evenings, at the boarding-school, have been continued, and a lively interest in them is manifested by some both of the young and old. Most Friends left this evening — some for their homes and some for Center, where the Western Quarterly Meeting is to be held to- morrow. We went to John Hiatt's. 10th. — We visited the widow of Christopher Hiatt, deceased, and my wife remained there, while I went to Greensboro'. At Greensboro' I called on Jesse Lindsay, cashier of the Bank of Cape Fear, at that place, in his office, and had some pleasant conversation with him: then at some of the stores; then at the Branch of the Farmer's Bank, W. A. Caldwell, cashier ; and afterward on my old friends Doctor David and Thomas Caldwell, each at his own house. I was received very kindly. They are sons of Doctor David Caldwell, a presbyterian minister, one of the early settlers in this part of the State, and he kept an academy for young men. Resid- ing about four miles from my father's, we were well acquainted with him and his family, in my youthful days. The two sons, above named, are both old men now. The town of Greensboro' is much improved since we removed from this county; the number of inhab- itants was about two thousand five hundred at the last census, but is estimated considerably larger now. I wished to see Governor John M. Moorhead and his brother James, but they were both ab- sent from home. I returned to widow Hiatt's to dinner, and we were very kindly taken home to the school in the afternoon by a son of John Hiatt. On our way to the school we passed very near to the old Sandy Spring meeting-house. The house appears to be going to decay, no meeting of Friends having been held there for more than thirty years past. 11th. — First-day. — We attended the Meeting for Worship at New Garden to-day. It was small. We took tea in the evening at Na- 1855.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 141 than Clark's — his mother, Asenath, an old acquaintance of ours, residing with them. 12th. — We made a call on Doctor Samuel Coffin, and afterward at his father's; my cousin Elihu Coffin, then went to Phebe Hobos', a widow, who occupies the dwelling and owns the farm which were formerly my father's where we were kindly entertained. I walked over the farm, and along the branch, thinking of scenes of my youth, and taking notice of the present condition of spots then familiar to me. We called, as we returned toward the school, at the place once occupied by my grandfather. 13th. — Passed the day mostly about the school. The session was opened yesterday — about eighty scholars have already come in. Aaron Stalker and Jane, his wife, superintendents; John R. Hub- bard and John H. Stewart, teachers, in the boys' department, and Lydia H. and Mary Ann Stalker (daughters of Aaron), teachers, in the girls' department. There appears to me to be a good pros- pect of this institution being very useful. By the desire of the superintendent, the Scripture exercises, after our manner, have been attended to on the three evenings last past. 14th. — We set off with Doctor Samuel Coffin and George Harvey, for Randolph county, the doctor having kindly consented to accom- pany and convey us. We passed two copper-mines on our way to Center ; the first the " Fisher Hill Mine," and the other, near Center, called the " Fentriss Mine,'' owned by the North Carolina Copper Mine Com- pany. We did not see any one at work at the Fisher Hill Mine — the work was either suspended, or the parties were absent grinding ore; but at the Fentriss Mine they appeared to be in full operation. We were permitted to examine any part with entire freedom. We did not incline to descend into the shaft. We were informed that the mine is now penetrated to the depth of three hundred feet, where the ore diggers are now working. We dined with Abigail, the widow of Joshua Stanley; he having very recently deceased. We arrived at Franklinsville in the even- ing, and were kindly received by Alexander and Jane Horney, the latter being the youngest daughter of my brother Elisha. 15th. — Dr. Samuel and George set off on their return this morn- ing, and we went forward, in a carriage furnished by Alexander Horney, to my brother's. He manifested great joy at seeing us once more. 142 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1855. CHAPTER VII. Beturn Home — Religious Exercises — Indiana Yearly Meetsng — War ik Kansas. Eleventh-month 17. — We attended Holly Spring Monthly Meeting. 18th. — First-day. — We parted with my brother's wife, and at- tended meeting at Holly Spring; then, after meeting, went to Franklinsville, home with Alexander Horney and his wife and daughter, who were also at meeting. Our brother also went with us. 19th. — We parted with our relations in the morning, and went forward to Graham, the county-seat of Allemance county, at which place we had to stay over until noon, the 20th, when we took the cars for Baleigh. We returned home by the same route we came, making no stay in Baltimore, excepting over one night. We arrived at home on Sixth-day evening, the 23d, and had great reason for thankfulness, in the review, for the preservation, favors and comforts that we had enjoyed during this long journey. 30th — Twelfth-month 1 and 2. — We had a good Quarterly Meet- ing. Our friends, Eleazar Bales, Thomas Jay and Smith Gregg, were in attendance. The weather being mild for the season, I con- sidered the number in attendance to be rather larger than the Yearly Meeting in North Carolina. 9th and 10th. — Stormy, wintry days. Until now, we have had weather of unusual mildness for the season. 26th. — This morning is much the coldest of the season so far. The thermometer indicated ten degrees below zero at our house. Some snow on the ground. Good health generally prevails. Monthly Meeting to-day. 27th. — Thermometer four degrees below zero. Our son William and his interesting family having removed to Kansas about the 31st of the Tenth-month last, we have heard of their safe arrival in that Territory about the 8th of the Eleventh- month. We are much concerned for them at this time, lest they 1856.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 143 should suffer from cold and exposure in that new country, in which there are as yet but few comforts of those kinds which are provided by the industry of man. 30th. — We have received a letter from dear William, giving us as favorable account as we could properly expect. The "Missouri ruffians" have made much difficulty there recently, threatening civil war; but we hear they have gone back, for the present at least. The numbers from Missouri, in the parties of invaders, are variously estimated from seven hundred to one thousand five hun- dred, with military equipments, avowing their intention to destroy the town of Lawrence and its inhabitants. 31st. — It is a solemn thing to reflect on this being the last day of the year. 0! that I may more earnestly desire, more earnestly pray to improve for the time to come ; to be more practically what I would be ; to be really and more thoroughly a Christian indeed. I acknowledge that, in contemplating on the character of a genuine primitive disciple of Christ, it seems to me that I fall much short of it. What is to prevent it? Is it any more difficult to be a Christian now than it was in the apostles' days, or in the days of our first Friends ? I can see no good reason why we should not be as devoted, thorough Christians, in principle, faith and practice, now as then. Let me take fresh resolution with the new year. Help me, Father of love and goodness. First-month 1, 1856.— A beautiful winter morning. The ther- mometer five degrees below zero. G-ood health and the blessings of heaven attend us. 0, for a full sense of gratitude ! 4th. — The mercury was this morning about fifteen degress below zero in the thermometer. Our dear children, Eli and Mary, are with us ; she being under a doctor's care. There seems to be a good prospect at present that her health may improve. 9th and 10th. — On both these mornings the mercury went down in the thermometer to twenty-six and twenty-eight degrees below zero, the greatest degree of cold ever observed by us since our residence in this country, when we had an instrument to indicate it. During the 9th, the mercury through the day did not rise higher than six to eight degrees below zero. Ground covered with 'snow. All kinds of provisions common to our country are plentiful, but at prices high, as compared with the prices which have been com- 144 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1856- mon heretofore. Flour $3.50 the 100 lbs.; the hog market opened at $6.00 to $6.25, declined to $4.50 and $5.00; beefsteak 8J cents per pound; firewood $2.50 to $3.00 per cord; wheat, $1.30 per bushel ; corn, 25 to 30 cents ; oats, 25 cents ; hay, $10.00 per tun. On the evening of the 9th, our dear Bhoda was confined with a fine boy ; they decide to call his name William Edward. It is cause of much thankfulness that she is doing so well. 23d. — Monthly Meeting. Moses Beede is here, having returned from Iowa, whither he went after the Yearly Meeting. He obtained the approbation of the meeting to perform a family visit to our members here. 24th. — This morning M. B. had a solemn sitting with us. His communication was lively, affectionate, encouraging and warning. 25th. — A vision in my sleep last night. My father, in conver- sation with me concerning my religious condition (perfectly natural, without any appreciation on my part, of his being long since de- ceased), brought home to me in a concise way, that my conduct was not right in the Divine sight, having reference to the fretful manner in which I sometimes speak to others in business at the counter, and supported his remark, by the evidence of a quiet man, a disin- terested witness against me, and I saw no place of escape from the guilt and condemnation. I awoke under a strong impression of the case, and a deep sense of mortification. O Lord, I crave thy mercy ! I crave thy forgiveness of my sins! Grant to me ability to pray availingly for pardon, through Jesus Christ, and for his sake. Now, whatever may be my pretense and profession as to religion, if others see in my countenance, and in my conduct, and hear in my words and tone, what does not correspond with my profession, where am I in their view ? Where am I really, by the impartial standard ? Is not my vision too true ? Am I not short in doing as I ought, to complete the Christian character which I profess, to fill the station which I occupy, and the just expectation of others who look for it from me ? This dream makes a vivid impression on me. May I take the hint to improve from it. Lord, help me ! I can not help myself ! 30th. — The weather continues very cold, with considerable snow on the ground. This month has been very cold throughout, with some days colder than we probably ever experienced heretofore. Mercury this morning four degrees above zero. 1856.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 145 The decease of our very dear friend Stephen Crellet, which oc- curred on the 16th of the Eleventh-month, 1855, has made a deep sensation among Friends in America and in Europe. He was an excellent Christian, and a very remarkable man. On Second-day the 28th inst., the Quarterly Meeting of our Cen- tral Book and Tract Committee was held, and considerable business done, as usual. One edition of ten thousand copies of our tract on Christian Doctrines, has been issued, and divided out principally in portions for distribution among Friends in our several Quarterly Meetings ; eight thousand being forwarded in this way, and one thousand five hundred have been sent to North Carolina. We have ordered another edition of five thousand, which are now about ready. Our boarding-school has about one hundred and twenty-five students this session. It seems much more comfortable and com- modious to all parties, since the buildings are so nearly completed. I have been taking a livety interest in promoting a better and more thorough course of Scriptural instruction in the institution, having addressed the whole of the scholars, with the superintendent and teachers once, and attended the recitations of three different classes, at many different times afterward. Second-month 2. — Mercury this morning eisjht decrees below zero ; beautifully clear. A good deal of snow on the ground. Firewood $2.75 to $3.00 the cord. This date is our wedding-day, thirty-six years ago. 5th. — For about six weeks past, the weather has been unusually cold. Mercury on the 3d, twenty degrees below zero ; 1th, twenty- six degrees below zero ; and on this morning, twenty-two degrees below zero. We have deep sympathy with our dear William and Sarah and their family, now in Kansas, on account of the dangers of the pres- ent unsettled state of public affairs, and their privations and expos- ures in that new country. 19th. — We have received letters from our dear William in Kan- sas ; he and his family left their home from an apprehension of violence from the ;; Ruffians ; ' of Missouri, and went to Friends' Shawnee mission station ; and then, after remaining there for a few days, returned back home through deep snow, and much exposure. But he writes cheerfully, which is a comfort to us. 146 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1856. 20th. — Decease of Rebecca Winder, daughter of John Pool. Preparative Meeting, Samuel Bonine present. Moses Beede of Rhode Island, now on a religious visit in these parts, obtained the unity and concurrence of our last Monthly Meeting to visit the families belonging thereto. Having proceeded in this engagement until nearly through it, he has been absent in order to attend the Quarterly Meetings at Miami and West Branch, but has now returned to this neighborhood. The weather has continued steadily cold, but now appears fine, and more like becoming milder. Much snow is still on the ground. Third-month 8. — The weather still remains severely cold ; there is much snow on the ground. Attended Spiceland Quarterly Meeting — Moses Beede also in at- tendance. 31st. — We have liad no rain since soon after the middle of the Twelfth-month last. The weather is milder than it was awhile past, but is still cold for the season. Snow not all gone yet; I can not remember of ever having known so long a time without rain. It is healthy, generally. Fourth-month 2. — This morning we have rain. During the last month, and for some time before, I have been closely engaged in the every-day business of my office. I can say very little as to my spiritual condition. Very deep have been the impressions at many times, of the plagues and evils of my heart ; and very earnest have been my cries to the Father of mercies and God of all power that he would help me through Jesus Christ, my Lord, to overcome all corruption and wrong disposition, and to come into the experience, more thoroughly, of that complete re- demption from ail sin, which is by Christ Earnest have been my prayers that I might set a better example of the real Christian in my daily walk, and in all my business intercourse with others. But even after all my prayers and all my good intentions, I have had very often to deplore my exceeding weakness, and my many frailties, and so many errors from a thorough Christian life, as to make me feel low indeed. My intercessions are earnest that Christ will save me ; and even in my lowest times my faith is not all gone; but I feel, with great anxiety, my deficiency in that close and unre- mitted " walk with God," and all that continued evidence of his par- 1856.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 147 doning mercy and love, that I could desire. 0, Lord ! blot out, in thy mercy, all my sins for Christ's sake ; help me to love thee truly, and to walk in thy love and thy truth ; keep me out of temp- tation, and deliver me from evil, as in thy goodness and fatherly care, thou mayest see best for me ; and bring me, through complete redemption, into the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ. Our boarding-school has been attended by about one hundred and twenty-five students, during the session just closed. David Hunt, superintendent, Elizabeth Hopkins, matron ; Wm. Haughton, Wm. Morgan, Joseph Moore, Sarah Morgan and Josephine Quinby, teachers ; Alethia Coffin, assistant in the nursery and domestic de- partment. I have been taking an interest in promoting a more efficient course of scriptural instruction by visits to the school at large, and in classes, and before the committee. A kind regard has been had toward my suggestions, and I believe, now that the session has come to its close, that there has been considerable substantial improvement in this valuable and necessary part of education. My little work of " Scripture Exercises on Genesis," is in course of being stereotyped, but is not yet out. 13th. — Our First-day school for Scriptural instruction, was opened at Whitewater this morning for the summer. One hundred and five scholars in attendance. Fifth-month 10. — Moaes Beede has returned from the west, and is quite sick at Jeremiah Hadley's. Nathan Pike of New Garden, attended on last Monthly Meeting, with a minute of unity, and has since visited most of the families of Friends in Richmond, and a few in the neighborhood. His visit has been satisfactory, I believe. The news of peace in Europe between Russia and the allied powers of Turkey, England, France, etc., has reached us, and is now fully confirmed. 17th. — Spring, though long delayed, is now fully come; the weather is not yet hot, but is delightful. After much dry weather, we now have rain. Many of the fruit trees, vines, etc., have been killed by the great severity of the past winter. Morrison, Blanchard & Co. having purchased the north-east cor- ner of Main and Pearl streets, are now about building a new bank- ing house on the corner. We hear of the decease of John Wilbur, the leader of the dis- 148 LIFE OP ELIJAH COFFIN. [1856. turbances among Friends in New England, on the 1st of this month. There is much difficulty in Kansas, arising from a desire on the part of Missourians, and others favorable to slavery, to introduce and establish slavery in that territory. There is much political commotion throughout the country, on the same account. Seventh-month 10. — I find that considerable time has passed away since my last entry. I have been about home, busily engaged at my office most of the time. By the favor of Providence we have been blessed in our family with a good share of health, and that blessing is extensively enjoyed in these parts by the public generally. Our friend Asenath Clark, and her companion Beulah M. Carter, came here, in the course of a religious visit, in the latter part of the Fifth-month. My wife and self went with them to New Garden Quarterly Meeting, on the 23d and 24th. Returning to Richmond, they went westward; but came back again to attend our Quarterly Meeting, arriving; at our house, Sixth-month 5. Our Meeting for Sufferings — Sixth -month 5 — was largely at- tended ; among other business, several memorials were read, in which I had taken a part in abridging and compiling. The abridg- ments appeared to be very satisfactory to the meeting. Our Quarterly Meeting was largely attended ; and was a pleasant season of mingling together. We had in attendance from other o o c parts, Asenath Clark, as above-mentioned ; Jonah Hole, from Alum Creek, and Jeremiah Hadley, from Whitelick, with minutes. Our daughter Hannah Amelia has been absent since my last entry, making a visit to her sisters, Caroline and Mary, in Ohio. Our First-day school has been progressing to pretty good satis- faction: the average attendance has been about one hundred. Truly an interesting company. May we be helped to go out and come in rightly before them. On looking back over the Monthly Meeting's records about First- day schools, I see the first effort in which the meeting took a part, by appointing a committee to attend to the subject, was made in the Twelth-month, 1833. Early in 1834, a school was opened by a committee appointed for the purpose. In the Eleventh- month, it was suspended, for the winter; then resumed in the Fourth-month, 1835 ; in the Eighth-month it was discontinued and was no^t re- sumed again until the Fourth-month, 1839 ; since which time 1856.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 149 it has been continued each summer, with a gradual but con- stant increase in attendance. Each fall it has been suspended, and resumed again in the spring. lb the summer of 1855, one hundred and thirty-six names were entered on the list of students (teachers and committee not included), of which one hundred and nine were members of our religious Society, and twenty-six were not. The average attendance was about ninety. My wife joined several other members of a committee of our Yearly Meeting in a visit to the Alum Creek Quarterly Meeting, held at Grilead in last month, with reference to annexing that meet- ing to the Ohio Yearly Meeting. It seems probable at this time that such an annexation may be made. Eighth-month 7. — We hear of the removal, b} T death, on 29th ultimo, of our venerable and beloved friend Richard Mott, of New York, who departed this life at an advanced age, having been long a father and an acceptable leader among his people. He was buried at Burlington, New Jersey, at which place, not long ago, his valua- ble wife, Abigail Mott, an excellent wonian, authoress of " Mott's Sketches/' was buried. At this place was the residence of our be- loved friend Stephen Grellet, who also died and was buried in the Eleventh-month last. The decease, very recently, of our friend Enoch Lewis, of Philadelphia, editor of "Friends' Review," should also be mentioned. These were fathers and Elders in the church, who have, I believe, all died in the faith, and their memory is blessed. 18th. — After a long drought, we have a most refreshing rain to-day. Great should be our thankfulness for this favor, so valuable. Our First-day school for Scriptural instruction has been doing- pretty well this summer — attended by eighty to over one hundred children and young persons. 19th. — We have a great political stir in and about town to-day. Cassius M. Clay, of Kentucky, is in attendance, and has made a speech to a large audience. The excitement grows strong between the two political parties, in promoting the claims of their respective candidates for President of the United States. The Democratic party- are desirous to elect James Buchanan, of Pennsylvania, as Presi- dent; while the Republican party, wishing to stay the further spread of slavery upon new territory, are desirous to elect John C. Fre- mont as President. s Ninth-month 5. — I very often think of Eternity. I endeavor to 150 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1856. bring my mind to contemplate on its reality; on its nearness at hand; on its scenes, and on my own condition in relation to it. If I could be satisfied that my prayers would be heard, that my long- ings would be gratified, that my sins would be pardoned, and my soul and body purified before G-od, it seems to me that my greatest wishes and ends would be accomplished, and my joy unspeakable and eternal. In a dream, about this time, I saw myself on my final trial for eternity ; my anxiety was exceeding great, beyond the possibility of expression; my sins, insincerity and unfaithfulness were very awful, and came near to balancing everything that could appear in my favor ; but the divine and eternal verdict was finally given barely in my favor ; I was " scarcely saved," yet I was saved ; I was conducted by one whose office appeared to be to attend to that busi- ness, into a seat on the side of glory ; I remember seeing* another person, about the same in situation as myself, at the same time ; we were told that we might sit there awhile and rejoice ; and such was the 'exceeding joy that thrilled my whole man, soul, body, spirit, and pervaded every member, that an issue of suppressed joy and praise involuntarily went from me, and from the other person like me. Not a particle of evil, of stain, or of fear remained, but our joy was perfect, in fullness. The dream left my whole soul and body in a thrill and ecstasy of joy, delight, and praise, yet with a very strong sense that I had only just escaped, and the awfulness of a contrary decision. I had no view of the general judgment of all mankind ; the person who conducted us to our happy seats, I ap- prehended to be an officer, in the court of my judge, and who was perfectly cognizant of all my state, and of all my thoughts ; but I had no view or recollected apprehension of a Judge, in sight, upon a throne, or otherwise. This seemed to be rather understood and known by me than visibly manifested to me. I know this is a dream; but is a vivid one, and appears to be full of meaning. May I bear it in remembrance, and apply it; and may my diligence, sincerity, and earnestness, be brightened and in- creased. Christ Jesus is my watchword ; it is his I desire to be ; I can not endure the thought of any other termination of my hopes. In my dream, I saw myself as I am, with body and members ; 1856.] LIFE OP ELIJAH COFFIN. 151 mortality of course had left me; but I have no recollection of thinking on the subject. I wish to give just that weight and importance to dreams to which they are entitled, neither more nor less; but I am satisfied of this, that there are many dreams very significant and teaching. I remember yet, with a tolerable degree of clearness, a sublime prospect which was given to me in a dream, or vision of the night, about the year 1832, of the general Kesurrection, and approach of the great day of general Judgment. Our family at that time con- sisted of myself, and wife, and four children, the oldest and young- est of which were daughters, the others sons. I saw ourselves sit- uated in a beautiful cottage dwelling, surrounded by delightful scenery ; the yard, and grounds around were livingly green ; all the earth seemed as it were animated with beauty and cheerfulness; the heavens above were perfectly clear and brilliant, the sky hav- ing itSj deep and lively blue ; the sun was uncommonly glorious, and shone with rays as clear and uninterrupted as could be ima- gined. From some remarkable sound, or summons not now clearly recollected, our whole family left the cottage on a tiptoe of surprise and great wonder; we all stood together in the beautiful yard near the door ; the sun was just at the western horizon, shining with un- clouded brightness, ready to go down in a few minutes ; all crea- tion was still and breathless, as if knowing what was at hand ; a great and wonderful movement was visible in the eastern sky ; the archangel, with his trumpet, was distinctly visible in the eastern sky, about as high as the sun is at nine o'clock in the morning; he was gently ascending, as the sun does ; the sound of his trumpet was distinctly audible ; he was attended by a countless multitude in the heavens who followed him : he was calling the living and the dead to judgment. Our souls were swallowed up in amazement, and as it were lost in the greatness of the scene ; we were sensible that our time was at hand ; a few moments more, and we should ascend to meet the Lord in the air, and join the countless mutitude ; a sense of deep mingled fear, joy and delight ran through our whole souls and bodies ; we were all to go, soon, very soon; and the time grew nearer and nearer as we watched, and were lost in wonder, and the greatness of the scene. Our youngest daughter, a lovely child of about one year old, first took flight — I saw ber rise and ascend 152 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1856. toward the company in the air (she was nearest ready for heaven) ; and toe were expecting our time in a few moments, when I awoke with a thrilling sense of the scene, still pervading my whole man. Language is entirely incapable of conveying, even faintly, the thril- ling glory, the unspeakable power and magnitude, and the sublime majesty and calm and holy greatness of the scene. No vision ever seemed to me more like vivid reality; and although more than twenty-four years have passed away since it appeared to me, the scene it yet lively in my recollection. 18th. — Our dear friend Samuel Test departed this life this morn- ino-, at a good age of more than eighty years. I have had an inti- mate and affectionate acquintance with him for nearly thirty years. Tenth-month 18. — Our Yearly Meeting has been large. Fewer cases of detention by sickness than usual, were reported. Some estimated the public attendance on First-day at ten thousand ; this, however, is uncertain. There was a large meeting held outside the house as well as inside, both in the forenoon and afternoon. The business of the Yearly Meeting was conducted in a good degree of harmony, with the exception that the large debts made on account of the boarding-school, made laborious work. Moses Beede, Philip (>. Dorland, Asenath Clark, Abigail Hanson, Mary Ann Fisher, Mary B. Pinkham, and Bridget Haight, were in attendance. Our Alum Creek Quarterly Meeting was given up to Ohio Yearly Meet- ing; and it appears to be now fairly settled that the new Western Yearly Meeting, at Plainfield, is to be opened in 1858. This year is the thirtieth that I have served the Yearly Meeting as clerk. I have felt the weight of this important service, very deeply. I believe that through great kindness and mercy, a good Providence has , helped me. ^ We have had much deep feeling for our dear William and Sarah and their family in Kansas, as well as for the other Friends in that territory, during the civil war which has lately been permitted to exist in that beautiful but politically disturbed country. William and his family, and several of their associates left their homes in the Eio-ht-month, and removed across the river into the State of Missouri, temporarily, for greater safety to their persons and prop- erty, for about three weeks, returning in the Ninth-month. The citizens of Missouri, where they stopped, treated them respectfully 1856.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 153 and kindly. We were greatly surprised, and made joyful by the appearance of our dear William, just before the late Yearly Meet- ing ; and comforted by his stay with us for about two weeks. He is now gone back, and our earnest desires for their preservation continue. Asenath Clark and Moses Beede went immediately homeward after the close of the Yearly Meeting. 11 154 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1856. CHAPTER VIII. Indiana Bible Association of Friends — New Year — Visit to Kansas — Western Yearly Meeting — Indiana Yearly Meeting. Eleventh-month 17. — This date does not pass over, without giving me cause for the most serious reflection, it being my birth-day. I am fifty-eight years old to-day ; gratitude is due from me to the good Giver for my good health, and the energies, physical and men- tal yet granted to me. Twelfth-month 1. — Our friend Hannah Peirson, of the State of New York, residing temporarily at Indianapolis, is engaged in a religious visit to the meetings and families in our Quarterly Meet- ing. My dear wife goes with her in part of the service. We have had much dry weather this season ; the fall has had less rain than usual, and the weather has not been severely cold. 6th. — Our Quarterly Meeting was large for the season. Our friends Wni. and Ann Kenworthy made returns of their certificates, after a long and satisfactory visit to New England. Abigail Han- son and her husband Timothy Hanson, in attendance. 7th. — At eight o'clock p. m., our stable was destroyed by fire. A large number assembled to witness the conflagration, and to render assistance. Our dear children Wm. H. and Caroline E. Ladd, and Eli and Mary C. Johnson, are with us. 23d. — Last night at nine o'clock P. m., the mercury went down to eight degrees below zero at our house, their being considerable wind. At five o'clock A. m. this morning, the degree was five below zero. The coldest night we have had this winter. My dear wife is still accompanying Hannah Peirson. They have visited the families of Whitewater and Chester, and are now engaged among those of Hopewell. 25th. — My wife returned to-day. H. P. has gone home, her visit being accomplished. We have very fine winter weather, cold but moderate. [1856. LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 155 I have been reading Lieuts. Herndin and Gibbons' account of their travel across South America, exploring the country watered by the Amazon, and its tributaries. We are also reading this winter, Dr. Kane's narrative of his sec- ond explorations in the Arctic regions, in search of Sir John Franklin. The account is filled with sad interest, intermixed as it is, with so much novelty, and so much of disaster. We also read the Journal of Margaret Woods ; Gurney's Thoughts on Habit and Discipline, and other interesting religious matter. A chapter daily of the Bible, at the breakfast-table, continues to afford us interest, instruction, edification and comfort. The business of the Citizens' Bank has increased so largely, that more of that of the branch bank has fallen upon me. I have been very busy. 31st. — The charter of our bank, for discounting and circulating privileges, now expires. I have been engaged in the bank ever since it was opened in 1834, now over twenty-two years. To-day, I close it. The next two years, I expect, if able, to be engaged in settling up the affairs of the bank. The new bank of the State goes into operation on the 2d of next month. Our son Charles is cashier. First-month 1, 1857. — I have been moving the furniture, etc., of our oifice up stairs, where I am to be occupant, in closing up the affairs of the bank. First-month 2. — The new bank was opened to-day, with fair pros- pects. I feel rather singular in my new office, but we have a com- fortable apartment, and I feel a pleasure in the idea of being released from many cares which have heretofore rested upon me. I expect labor and cares where I am, but look for a decided abatement of both, which, it seems to me, will be very grateful to me. 16th. — Getting along pretty well, and I feel in a good degree com- fortable. Our son, Eli Johnson, is gone to Kansas, and elsewhere in the west, on a journey of exploration. His wife, our dear Mary, is staying with us during his absence. It is very pleasant to us to have her company. He left on the first instant. 23d. — This morning the mercury went down in our thermometer to eighteen degrees below zero ; yesterday it was sixteen, decidedly 156 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1857. tlie coldest weather, so far, of this winter; but we have had a good deal of cold, pretty steady, not so variable as at some times. Second-month 22. — Since the cold weather above noted, we have had a time of mild soft weather. The ice has been, generally, bro- ken up in this climate, and the rivers Ohio, Mississippi and Missouri have become well supplied with water and open for navigation. Third-month 3. — Our son, Eli Johnson, returned from Kansas this morning in good health. Quite glad to hear a good report of our children and other relations in that country. To-day I have heard of the decease of my cousin Elihu Coffin, of New Garden, in North Carolina, which occurred on the tenth of last month. 4th. — This is the last day of the present Congress, and the day on which the President, newly elected, James Buchanan, and Vice President, John C. Breckenridge, receive their offices. Fourth-month 6. — Since last date I have been engaged in my new office; the location is comfortable, and the business is not so press- ing as formerly. Our dear children, Eli and Mary C. Johnson, have arrived here r on their way to Kansas, to spend the summer, and expect to go for- ward to-morrow. The rowdy young men who are supposed to havo set fire to our stable, and to other buildings in town, have had a trial, and have ul- timately been permitted, by consent, to bail, under engagement to leave the State to return no more. The impression of their guilt is very strong, but the evidence is not entirely positive. Our friend, John L. Eddy, who has been traveling for about three months past among Friends in the western part of this State, has returned, and he attended our meeting yesterday, and was ex- tensively engaged in labor. Had an appointed meeting at the Methodist meeting-house, in Richmond, at half past seven P. M. The weather has been dry and mild for some time past — but yesterday and to-day it is stormy and cold. Snow, with thermome- ter fifteen degrees and high wind. ■„ It now seems probable that the "Atlantic Telegraph" Line, which was begun some time ago, will soon be completed. If suc- ful, this will open a telegraph communication between this country and England. 1857.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 157 The Ohio and Mississippi railroad, by which the connection be- tween Cincinnati and St. Louis will be made more direct, seems likely soon to be prepared for travel. The pro-slavery territorial legislature of Kansas has adjourned, after passing some exceedingly bad laws, favoring their objects in planting slavery in that fine territory. Charles Dickinson, George Dickinson and Thomas Newby and their families, have recently gone forward to settle in that country. I have commenced reading "Robinson's Palestine," which ap- pears likely to interest me much. Our boarding-school was attended by about one hundred and six- ty students in the winter session. I visited the school, frequently, for the purpose of encouraging and assisting in Scriptural instruc- tion. A very interesting collection of young people. The number is much smaller, as yet, in the present session, a little under sixty. Fifth-month 1 — The weather has remained very cool for the sea- son, for a month or more past, but is now milder, with a most refreshing rain. Our First-day school was re-opened on the twelfth ultimo, with eighty-nine in attendance, and favorable prospects for an orderly school. We had one hundred and six last First-day. Our beloved friend Jared Patterson, an aged minister, and partic- ular friend of mine, departed this life on Sen T enth-day, the twenty- fifth of last month, at his residence at Walnut Ridge. His end is considered to be entirely resigned and peaceful. A most affectionate letter received from my dear friend Benjamin Seebohm informs me that he has completed the translation of our Tract on Christian Doctrines into the German language, according to our request. 4th. — A cold north-east rain with considerable wind. Our new stable, built on the same foundation of that which was destroyed by fire last Twelfth-month, is now nearly completed. We had an attendance of one hundred and ten at our First-day school yesterday. The order is excellent, and the whole scene is •exceedingly interesting. I feel, very deeply, the responsibility- with a strong desire that the school may be conducted religiously and weightily and profitably to both students and teachers and all ■concerned. I have no doubt that this will be the case if we labor with honest perseverence and dwell under a proper concern. I was 158 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1857. at the boarding-school at half-past three p. m. and read Scripture with the girls. 31st — The weather has continued remarkablycool for the season, up to the present date, and vegetation has been so late and back- ward, that provisions for animals have run short and the prices be- come high. Corn is 75 cents the bushel, or [over; oats 60 cents and upward; Hay $18 to $20 the ton; Irish potatoes $1 25 to $2 the bushel ; wheat $1 50 to $1 75 ; nour $7 and upward the barrel ; good beef-steak 12J cents the pound ; butter 22 to 25 cents ; sugar double the old prices, etc. etc. We have had fine rains and the grass is now coming forward rapidly. To-day we had one hundred students in attendance at our First- day school : on last First-day we had one hundred and twenty-one. Sixth-month 4. — Meeting for Sufferings. Well attended. The members in Alum Creek Quarterly Meeting did not attend, being- considered no longer as members, that meeting being now attached to Ohio Yearly Meeting. 5th and 6th. — Quarterly Meeting. The business was transacted in a good degree of brotherly feeling. George Carter and wife, and Ann Hoskins, present, with minutes. 7th. — First-day. — A large meeting. At our Scriptural school, this morning, if e had one hundred and twenty-seven in attendance ; and many visiters. Basil Brightwell died on the fifth, and was buried this afternoon. 8th. — I received the appointment of special administrator to the estate of Basil Brightwell. 13th. — Attended Westgrove Monthly Meeting, at Fairfield, on a committee of education and schools. 14th. — We were visited at our Scriptural school by James Ayarg, secretary of the American Sunday School Union, who made some interesting remarks to the school. Clementina Noyes was also pre- sent, recently a Missionary in Hindostan, and she gave the school some interesting statements concerning the Hindoos and the mis- sion, and recited the Lord's Prayer in the Hindoo language. In the afternoon, she went with us to the boarding-school. 17th. — We have continued copious rains. Last season was de- cidedly dry ; this season is decidedly wet so far. Crops of small grain and grass look fine. 29th and 30th. — We had a pleasant visit from George C. and Del- 1857.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 159 phini Mendenhall, of North Carolina. They have been in Ohio, having brought out to that State for freedom thirteen slaves. They have now set free in all about fifty, and have thirty yet at home. Having taken, jointly with Jesse P. Siddall, the office of admin- istrator to the estate of Basil Brightwell, I am now engaged in set- tling business connected therewith, in addition to my regular busi- ness in the bank. There is still much cool weather for the season, with rains fre- quently. The country is exceedingly beautiful. Eighth-montkl 17. — We are still blessed with a good share of health, demanding our constant gratitude. Our children, Eli and Mary C. Johnson, returned from Kansas this evening. They appear well, and we received them joyfully. 25th. — This week is the State Teachers' Association in Richmond. It is pretty numerously attended. We have for our guests, Eli- phalet Pray Cole, and his wife, Pamelia, from Bloomington. in this State. They have a female academy there. We have been much interested with their company. We also had a call from John M. Mclntyre, of Indianapolis, agent of the American S. S. Union, in whose acquaintance we took much interest. Ninth-month 3d. — The Ohio Life and Trust Co. has failed, and since its failure several banking-houses in New York and Cincin- nati have suspended. It is a time of much excitement and alarm in matters of finance and business. The season continues very fine. There is promise of excellent crops of corn. Tenth-month 16. — Since my last date, another of our large annual assemblies, our Yearly Meeting, has been held. It has been as usual, very large. Before another year shall roll around, the new Western Yearly Meeting is to be set up and held ; and it is thought that at Whitewater it will never be so large again. We had in ac- ceptable attendance Robert and Sarah Lindsay, Priscilla Green and Mary Nicholson, from England ; John Header, and Eli and Sybil Jones, and Charles F. Coffin, sen., from New England; Wm. Henry Chase, from New York State, and Joseph Brown, from Canada* The business of the meeting was conducted in much harmony, and there has been evidence of a deep feeling of brotherly love. Such seasons are to be highly prized ; the comfort and enjoyment is more than we can express. We had interesting meetings on Sixth-day evening and First-day evening, to consider what further we can do 160 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1857. toward the circulation of the Holy Scriptures among all classes, and in all countries : the result was the formation of the " Indiana Bible Association of Friends.'' This is a cause in which many hearts are warmed; and devout prayer ascends, I have no doubt, from many, that the Divine blessing may rest upon and prosper our labors. Elijah Coffin here casually remarks upon an important subject, which, from other sources than his private mem- oranda, it is known that he had contemplated upon for a long period, with a deep concern resting upon his mind, that with Friends as a Society, greater activity and more energetic measures should be taken for the dissemination of the Holy Scriptures. Constrained by the love of Christ, he was first to stimulate to action the large body of Friends there assembled, expressing his convictions, that in view of the Divine blessings that we receive as a people, " we should enter upon the labor ourselves," that " our duty is plain," and that we shall not stand clear in the day of righteous judgment, when the secrets of all hearts shall be made known, if we neglect or refuse to do good to our fellow- men, when it is so plainly in our power. " Impressed with the inestimable value of the Holy Scrip- tures," he had for many years personally participated in the spread of the Gospel truths " among all classes of people in our own and other countries," by co-operating with the American Bible Society and its auxiliaries, and with the Bible Association of Friends of Philadelphia and its confederates in the west, but his anxious desire that his particular Yearly Meeting should be more actively engaged in the work, led him to press the subject upon the atten- tion of his friends, that united action should be taken, which resulted, as has been seen, in the formation of the Indiana Bible Association of Friends. Nor did he confine his attention merely to the limits of 1857. ] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 161 his own Yearly Meeting ; his ardent interest in the subject led him to devote much time in the later period of his life, in voluntarily attending all the Yearly Meetings on the American continent (with two exceptions), and many of the subordinate meetings, with the especial view 7 to advocate a more extended system for the diffusion of the Holy Scrip- tures, by Friends in their different localities. His exertions for the furtherance of this object were indefatigable until the close of his life, and the compiler of this volume will long remember how earnestly he labored to prepare for publication the Fourth Annual Report of the Indiana Bible Association (for 1861), not many weeks before the close of his earthly labors, at a time when he struggled against his own feelings of weakness and distress to perform the task, and was so enfeebled by disease, that he frequently ex- hausted his small remnant of physical strength. He continues his account of the Yearly Meeting : The close of the Yearly Meeting was particularly solemn. There is great reason to bless the good name of the Lord for his kindness and mercy, and his many favors to us at this time. John Meader and Joseph Brown went toward Iowa, Kobert and Sarah Lindsay toward Baltimore, and thence southward. Chas. E. Coffin, sen., designed to attend Baltimore Yearly Meeting, and so did Eli and Sybil Jones, but the latter having proceeded to Cincinnati, were detained there several days by the indisposition of Sybil. Eleventh-month 13. — My wife and myself set off this morning on a visit to our children, William H. and Caroline E. Ladd, in Ohio. We arrived at their house soon after dark. It afforded us much joy to meet again together. We found them and their four fine children all in excellent health. 15th. — Attended their meeting. The weather became unsettled, and rain fell almost every day in the week following ; and toward the last of the week it became much colder. The roads being frozen up, were so rough that it was thought imprudent to attempt to attend their Quarterly Meeting on Seventh-day. lt>2 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1858. We returned home on Second-day, the 23d. 25th. — It is remarkably cold for the season ; the mercury sunk down to five degrees below zero this morning. Twelfth-month 5. — We had an agreeable Quarterly Meeting. An auxiliary to the Indiana Bible Association of Friends was organized on the 4th. 8th. — Eichard and Susan B. Pedrick set off on their religious visit to Jamaica this morning. 13th. — Micajah Henley died this morning, about one o'clock. 14th. — Funeral of Micajah Henley ; large attendance. The weather mild and pleasant, for the season, for a week past. A distressing state of financial embarrassment has overspread the country for sixty days past, causing suspension of specie pay- ments by nearly or quite all of the eastern and southern banks. The New York and New England banks resumed on the 12th inst. First-month 2, 1858. — The rapid flight of time is very frequently a subject of thought, and of very serious reflection. The coming in of another new year brings up this subject vividly to our atten- tion. Another circumstance is added to-day. We have just followed to the grave an amiable young woman, who, having just come to maturit}^, has been removed by death — Susan Barnard, daughter of Paul Barnard. The funeral was large ; and many seem to feel the occurrence much ; and we may hope that the warning which it o-ives will have an instructive effect on her associates and others. The weather is remarkably mild for the season. Affairs in Kansas still much unsettled. I have made much progress in settling and closing the business of the branch of the State bank. The debts to the bank are now reduced from $500,000 to less than $100,000, and the outstanding bank notes from $333,000 to less than $40,000. Second-month 3. — It has now been a month since my mem- orandums above. Although by Divine Providence our lives are continued much in the same course, yet many great and solemn changes have taken place with some. In the weekly announce- ment of deaths, I see the names of several with whom I had intimate and affectionate acquaintance. And we may reflect, too, that the distance between us and eternity is now one month shorter. 1858.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 163 On the morning of the 27th ult., our young friend Geo. Harvey, son of William Harvey, departed this life, and was buried on the 28th. His decease was not unexpected ; and it is comfortably hoped that he came to his end in the confidence of faith and in peace. At our Monthly Meeting, on the 24th, an address to our Friends in Kansas was adopted, and the business of the meeting was agree- ably transacted ; but at the close, the cause of the Indiana Bible Association of Friends being opened to men and women Friends, with partition open by consent, some severe opposition appeared, and a discussion followed which was very painful. .Yesterday, the 2d, was our marriage day, in 1S20. We look back to the scenes of the day with vivid interest. Gratefulness should ever pervade our hearts when we think of our union, and also for the blessings with which a good Providence has seen fit to favor us. After several weeks of mild weather, we now have it a little colder, with snow ; but not severe yet. 5th.— Mercury at zero this morning; the coldest we have had since about the 26th of Eleventh-month last. 22d. — Mercury ten degrees below zero this morning; the coldest we have had. It was minus about six or seven on the 26th of Eleventh-month last. 23d. — Mercury six degrees below zero this morning. We have fine weather, with snow on the ground. I have been engaged at intervals, for a considerable time past, in reading the great work by Dr. Edward Robinson, entitled " Biblical Researches in Palestine,'* etc. I have been deeply interested in the details. The panic in business affairs seems now pretty well over, and commerce is again resuming its usual course. The crops of the year 1857 were generally very fine; the prices of produce generally have, of course, become much more moderate. Flour went up, at one time, to about $4.00 the hundred pounds — it is now about 32.25 ; wheat is 75 to 90 cents per bushel ; corn is 30 to 37J cents per bushel; oats about 33 cents per bushel; potatoes 30 to 40 cents per bushel. The range of pork has been from $4.50 to 85.50 the hundred pouuds; yet these have not been the outside limits. The prices of sugars and molasses have been abated full one half; sugar 164 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1858. at one time sold at 11 to 12 cents wholesale, and 14 to 16 cents retail ; it can now be had at 6 to 7 cents wholesale, and at retail to correspond. Beef has declined from last year's prices, but the decline has not been so large. By the continued blessing of a good Providence, we enjoy a share of excellent health; but, spiritually, many afflictions are permitted us to endure at this time. 27th. — I attended Milford Monthly Meeting, much to my satis- faction. A request for the establishment of a Friends' Meeting on Fall Creek, near Stranger, in Kansas, was brought before our Monthly Meeting on the 24th, and there united with, and forwarded to the Quarterly Meeting. The same request was laid before Mil- ford Monthly Meeting to-day, and was acted upon in the same manner. At the close of the meeting, about thirty-three Friends gave their names as members and contributors to the Indiana Bible Association of Friends. Third-month 2. — Mercury at zero this morning. Fine weather, with snow on the ground. 5th and 6th. — Our Quarterly Meeting. We had good meetings; business being conducted harmoniously, and good feeling prevailed. The request for a meeting in Kansas was granted. At the meet- ing of our Bible Association, on Sixth-day afternoon, general good feeling prevailed, and favor toward the cause. The bitter and afflicting opposition which has appeared in this neighborhood does not seem to have made much impression in other places in our limits, so far as appeared. Fifth-month 27. — Most of the time since the last date I have been engaged in my ordinary occupation in the bank, the affairs of which are now being rapidly drawn toward a close. The past winter was unusually mild, and an early opening of spring weather seemed for awhile probable ; but the weather has continued cool for the season nearly up to the present time, with a most remarkable quantity of rain. Such has been the incessant succession of profuse rains, that the farmers have found it difficult, and in many cases impracticable, to get their crops of corn planted. The meadows and pastures look fine. On Third-day the 11th instant, my dear wife set off, with a com- mittee of our Yearly Meeting to Iowa, on a visit to the Quarterly Meetings of Salem and Pleasant Plain; a journey which she has 1858.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 165 been enabled to perform ; and they returned on the evening of 25th instant, having attended to the appointment to a good degree of satisfaction General good health has prevailed in our neighborhood, and in the country generally, during the winter and spring. A few cases of small pox have occurred. Two new Quarterly Meetings came into the family of Quarterlies in our Yearly Meeting this season in Iowa, — Eed Cedar, which has been opened; and Western Plain, which is soon to be opened. I am now engaged in reading Livingstone's Travels and Discov- eries in Africa, which I find very interesting. I have also procured "The Testimony of the Rocks," and design to give it 'a careful perusal. The weather has been so cool and rainy on several First-day mornings, that we have not had a favorable opportunity for our Scriptural school at Whitewater. It has, however, been open for several weeks (began Fourth-month 12), and on two fair days, we had over one hundred in attendance. Sixth-month 17. — Since last date, our Meeting for Sufferings, the Quarterly Meeting, and other meetings usually held about that time, have taken place, and were in good degree satisfactory. The Quarterly Meeting was attended by Jeremiah Grinnell and his com- panion, Doctor Edmund Albertson, with minutes of their meeting at home. On Seventh-day evening, the 5th, we had an interesting Bible Meeting, which was pretty well attended considering how rainy the weather was. On the 15th we had a pleasant visit from our friends Marmaduke C. Cope, and Sarah his wife, and Richard Richardson and Hannah White Richardson, his wife, on a tour in the west. 20th. — For some time past I have entertained the idea of making a visit to Kansas this year, as I think I may leave home and my office for a while, without any great disadvantage. My wife has recently had some thought of going with me, if I should go, so that we may make a visit together to our children and others. 22d. — Having come fully to the conclusion to go to Kansas, we get off by railway, at nine o'clock A. M.; eleven o'clock forty-five minutes A. M. at Indianapolis ; half past three o'clock at Terre Haute. Lost forty-five minutes at the bayou beyond the Wabash, for the finishing of a repair to the bridge. 166 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1858. Half past seven o'clock at Paris, Illinois. Supper at Shelbyville. 23d. — At Alton at four o'clock a. m. Took boat down the Mis- sissippi. At St. Louis at seven o'clock to breakfast. Left at fif- teen minutes past eight o'clock for Jefferson City, by the Pacific railroad. Dined at Hermann, a Swiss or German settlement. At Jefferson City at two o'clock p. M. Left by boat at ten o'clock p. M. 2-ith, 25th, 26th on the Missouri river. Arrived at Leav- enworth at nine o'clock P. M., 26th. 27th — Went to brother Joel Hiatt's in the morning, and staid the day and night with them. We looked upon the situation of Leavenworth as being beautiful and well adapted for a large popu- lation. We passed through the fort grounds, and near the build- ings — the place is beautiful. The Salt Creek valley, in which brother Joel Hiatt resides is remarkably fertile and beautiful. The day was pleasantly passed in quietness with his family and John Broaddus'. 28th. — Joel went with us to William H. Coffin's. We were deeply interested with the beautiful scenery as we went. Every thing was new ; all interested us. We found our children, William and Sarah, and their family, in pretty good health, although AVilliam was absent from home. It- was very pleasant to meet with them again. 29th. — Passed the day principally at William's. He came home about noon. We were rejoiced to meet. 30th. — Fourth-day. — To meeting. After meeting to Charles Dickinson's. Seventh-month 1. — I went to Leavenworth with William, and re- mained a considerable, portion of the day. Returned back in the evening with Benajah W. Hiatt. The routes going and returning were both very interesting to me. 2d, — Went to Benajah's ; then to Jesse D. Hiatt's. Unwell in the evening. 3d # — Remained about William's ; still indisposed. 4th. — To First-day school at half past nine o'clock A. M. An interesting attendance of about twenty. To meeting at eleven o'clock. We had a comfortable little meeting. 5th. — About William's. 6th. — Went to Thomas Newby's ; an interesting trip. 1858.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 167 7th. — To Preparative Meeting. Afterward, to Eli Wilson's. Then to James Wilson's and Maria his wife. Azel Rogers came in, during the evening. 8th. — William and I went to Lawrence. The journey nearly all the way across the Delaware Indian lands was interesting. Law- rence is said to contain about two thousand inhabitants. The lo- cation is well chosen ; and the valley south beautiful and very fertile. 9th — Called at Samuel N. Wood's this morning. Then went on, by the high road south of the Kansas, to Lecompton. From Le- compton we crossed the Kansas, then the Grasshopper, and then went home through the Indian lands. 10th. — Rested until noon. Then went to G-eorge Dickinson's. 11th. — First- day. — To Scriptural school. Then to meeting. Afternoon, rest at home. 12th. — William went to Leavenworth. I rode out to go to see Henry Worthington and Elizabeth his wife ; but did not get there. S. N. Wood and Margaret his wife called at William's. 13th. — Rode into High »Prairie, south. Fine ride. William engaged in his oat harvest. 14th. — Fourth-day. — To meeting. To Charles Dickinson's. To B. W. Hiatt's. 15th. — At home. William unwell. To Hemy Worthington's. Called to see Doctor Robert Wood. Great thunder storm at night. Profuse rain continued through most of the night. 16th. — At William's. Another great rain, with thunder last night. Waters extremely high. Funeral of a neighbor. The corpse was conveyed across Fall Creek on a raft make of rails, by several men who swam. William better. 17th. — More rain last night. To Stranger Creek ; still very high. To Jesse D. Hiatt's and Eli Wilson's. Could not start for Friends' Shawnee Mission as we had intended, on account of the high waters. 18th. — First-day. — To meeting after Scripture school. After- noon rested. Charles and Hannah Dickinson with us at William's. 19th. — Waters lower, but not fordable. Fine day. William at- tending to his wheat and oats. 20th. — Set off with William for Friends' Shawnee Mission. Crossed Stranger Creek. Drove most of the day across the Dela- 168 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1858. ware Indian lands. Arriving at an Indian ferry at the Kansas, we could not cross on account of the high stage of the river. We turned back, under a feeling of much disappointment, to which we were obliged to submit, and went to the Baptist Mission among the Delawares, where we were kindly taken in. 21st. — Our visit at the Baptist Mission has been very interesting to us. They have about sixty students, male and female, some of the girls nearly grown, who appear to be doing well. John Gr. Pratt, principal. Went hence to Leavenworth, where we dined and then parted with William, who started homeward. We went to a hotel. Our boat' does not go until morning. 22d.— We left early on the boat " John D. Perry," for St. Louis, on our way homeward. 23d.— On the Missouri. 24th. — Arrived early at Jefferson City, where we left the boat and took the Pacific railroad. We arrived at St. Louis about thirty minutes past twelve. 25th. — Left St. Louis about four o'clock p. m. and arrived at home next morning at about ten, thankful for the favor and pre-, servation which had been allowed to us, during this long journey. On the day of arrival I attended the Quarterly Meeting of our Central Book and Tract Committee, and upon succeeding days of that week and the next, I was busily engaged in bringing up the business of my office, and attending to various concerns which required attention. My dear wife and myself had been somewhat unwell in Kansas, and the weather was throughout our journey hot and depressing, so that we came home fatigued, and feeling somewhat out of health, but hoped to become better after having rest and refreshment for a few days. But on the 7th of the Eighth-month, we were both taken with chills and fever. We had three very sick days before the chills were broken off, and even after that we recovered slowly. My wife did not recover as soon as I did, but was six or seven weeks pretty much confined about house and home. I felt, however, that good Providence had laid the hand of affliction lightly upon us, as we might have suffered much more than we did. Our daughter Hannah Amelia was confined with illness at the same time. On the 28th of the Seventh-month, our son-in-law William A. 1858.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 169 Rambo, became unwell, and his complaint growing worse, was called typhoid fever. We were unable to visit him in his sickness, but he sank lower, and finally, on Fourth-day, the 11th of the Eighth- month, at about nine o'clock A. M., he expired. His funeral took place on the next evening, the burial being temporarily at White- water, was largely attended by numerous friends and acquaintances. A scene of this kind can not occur without bringing home deep reflections at once serious and awful. Ninth-month 20. — On the 17th inst., I left home to attend the new Western Yearly Meeting, to be held at Plainfield. On the 18th, the Yearly Meeting of Ministers and Elders was opened and held to good satisfaction. The number in attendance was probably not less than one hundred and sixty. Two public Meetings for Worship were held on First-day, the 19th, at ten o'clock A. M. and three o'clock p. m., both very large. And there being more than the house would hold, a meeting outside, largely attended, was held both forenoon and afternoon. The meet- ing-house is one hundred and twenty feet long, by seventy-four feet wide, and will receive about two thousand persons. I am kindly entertained at my dear friend Eleazar Bales'. i On this day the 20th, the Yearly Meeting was formally opened at eleven o'clock A. m. The attendance appeared to fill the house, and the occasion was a very solemn one. A committee from Indiana Yearly Meeting, one from Baltimore, one from New York, and one from Ohio, were in attendance. B. C. Hobbs was appointed clerk for the day, and afterward continued for the meeting. 21st. — Meeting continues to good satisfaction. A Bible Meeting was held in the evening, probably five or six hundred Friends in at- tendance. 22d. — Large Meetings for Worship to-day. I went to White- lick and attended a large meeting there. Dined at Samuel Moore's. In the evening returned, and attended another Bible Meeting, at which an association was organized. 23d. — After a satisfactory meeting to-day, I returned home in the evening. It is expected that the business of the Yearly Meeting will be closed to-morrow. Our own Yearly Meeting is now nearly at hand. Our daughter Hannah Amelia joined with Mordecai Morris 12 170 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1858 White, in laying before our Monthly Meeting on the 22d inst. pro- posals of marriage, to which our consent has been given. This is always a very serious, a very important engagement. We feel the anticipated loss of our dear Hannah from our family circle very much. 28th. — Yearly Meeting of Ministers and Elders at ten o'clock A. M. Meeting for Sufferings at three o'clock P. m. Our friends Moses H. Beede, James Jones, John Scott, John W. Tatum, Rebecca T. Updegraff, James Van Blarcom, David H. Bennett, Sarah Shotwell, Thomas Smith, Daniel P. Haviland, Wm. R. Taber, Hannah Peirson and Daniel Barker, Ministers from other parts, are in attendance at the present Yearly Meeting, with a num- ber of Elders, as companions and otherwise. 29th. — Yearly, Meeting for Public Worship at eleven o'clock A. m. Indian Committee at three o'clock P. M. Book and Tract Meeting at six o'clock p. M. 30th. — Fifth-day. — Yearly Meeting for Discipline at eleven o'clock, largely attended, and yet perceptibly smaller I believe, than when our Western friends were associated with us. A good meeting. Many Friends with us from abroad. African Committee at four o'clock P. M. Education at six o'clock P. M. Tenth-month 1. — Met at ten o'clock A. M. This morning I was released from the Clerk's services, after thirty-one years service ; and Charles F. Coffin appointed clerk. The large and religious ex- pression of unity and sympathy with me in my past services, was truly affecting and humbling. The meeting caused a minute to be made thereon ; then proceeded to the consideration of the state of Society. The following copy of the minute which was prepared by one of the assistant clerks, and adopted by the Yearly Meeting, is the one referred to in the preceding memoran- dum: " In making this appointment we recur with satisfaction, and believe it right to record the feeling of unity we have with the faithful and acceptable services which, with Divine assistance, have for thirty-one years, been rendered by our beloved friend Elijah Coffin, who now retires from the table." 1858.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 171 Our regular family household being entertained with us this year is smaller than at some past times ; yet very agreeable, as follows : William Crossman, of Cincinnati ; Harriet Steer, David Hunt, now of Iowa; Daniel P. Haviland and James Congden, of State of New York ; John W. Tatum, and Amy Y., his wife, of Wilmington, Delaware ; Sarah Smiley, of Philadelphia ; Elizabeth Jones, of Smithfield, Ohio ; Eli and Mary 0. Johnson, and many other occa- sional visiters. Annual Bible Meeting this evening at six o'clock p. m. Largely attended ; probably one thousand persons present — satisfactory. Tenth-month 2. — The Yearly Meeting progresses to satisfaction. 3d. — Two large meetings to-day ; one at ten o'clock a. m., the other at three o'clock p. m. ; and a meeting out-doors, at the same time. A great multitude present. 4th and 5th. — These two days were occupied, and then the Yearly Meeting closed. A very solemn and tender parting. 13th. — The winter session of our boarding-school was opened, with pretty good prospects. 25th. — Central Book and Tract Committee. Eleventh-month 3. — This is a solemn and interesting day to us ; joyous to our young people. Our dear and much loved daughter, Hannah Amelia, was married to Mordecai Morris White of Cin- cinnati, and left for that city, in the evening. 172 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1859. CHAPTER IX. Reading Circles — Death op John Allen — "Western and Indiana Yearly Meetings — Sabbath Schools — Visit to Washington and Eastern Cities — New York and New England Yearly Meetings — Journey to Iowa — In- diana Yearly Meeting — Visit to North Carolina Yearly Meeting. Eleventh-month 17. — Always an interesting date to me. This day I am sixty years old j the thought is very solemn. Twelfth-month 4th and 5th. — We had an agreeable Quarterly Meeting these days. Joseph Brown, of Canada, and Eli Newlin, of Fairfield, Ohio, in attendance. Samuel Lloyd, also, from Iowa, came in, and was acceptably with us. 31st. — I have had much work lately in bringing the business of the State Bank of Indiana to a close. In last month and this, I have been to Indianapolis several times, to attend the meetings of the State Board. I am to-day paying out the final dividends of our branch bank to the stockholders. First-month 1, 1859. — On the 1st day of the Twelfth-month, 1834, I opened f the door of the branch at Richmond, of the State Bank of Indiana. This day I close it. The charter of the bank ha& expired, and its business is, I hope, wound up honorably and profitably to the State, and the individual stockholders. At a final meeting of the Board of Directors, held Twelfth-month 24th, 1858, the following resolution was offered by Robert Morrisson, and adopted : " It is unanimously Resolved, That in consideration of the able and faithful services of Elijah Coffin as cashier of this branch from its first organization to its close, and the fidelity and promptitude with which he has discharged the various and important duties confided to his care, that the board embrace this opportunity to express upon our Minutes the high sense entertained of his offi- cial services and private worth." To this resolution Elijah Coffin responded in a grateful manner, expressing his thankfulness for the support he had 1859.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 173 always received from the various members of the board, and for the harmony which had always subsisted between the board and officers in the transaction of the various and important business of the bank. From the "Richmond Palladium," dated February 10, 1862, containing an obituary notice of his decease, we ex- tract the following brief delineation of his business char- acter, in connection with the bank : • #■*'•« As an officer, he was faithful, upright and honest, and had in view more the interests of the bank than his own. To his methodical business habits and honest, careful management, may be attributed much of the success of that excellent institution ; the value of his services having been fully appreciated by the stock- holders and the public." On the close of that institution in 1859, he retired from active business. First-month 7.— According to the request of William A.Rambo, to be buried in his own lot, in Friends' burial-ground, near Cummins- villa, in the vicinity of Cincinnati, he was disinterred at White- water this morning, and the corpse was accompanied on railway by his wife, Miriam, our son Charles, and ourselves; and we were met by our children of Cincinnati, and several kind Friends of that city at Cumrninsville ; then proceeding to the burial-place, the remains were laid in their final resting-place. Afterward we went with our children and friends to the city, and staid with them a few days. The final burial of our son-in-law seemed a solemn duty, and brought back to our minds the consideration of his sufferings and death, with deep solemnity. Our dear widow-daughter now feels as if she had performed a duty made incumbent by the re- quest of her deceased husband while living. In the evening, attended the reading circle, where we met with over thirty Friends, with most of whom we were acquainted ; a pleasant interview. 8th. — Seventh-day. — This evening, attended a meeting of the 174 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1859, book and tract committee at Doctor Da /id Judkins'; which wa? interesting. 9th. — Two meetings to-day; the first at eleven, the other at seven o'clock p. m. 10th. — Second-day. — This evening, attended a Bible Meeting at Friends' meeting-house. An association auxiliary to the Indiana Bible Association of Friends was organized. About sixty mem- bers were obtained, and one hundred dollars subscribed. Beturned home on the evening of the eleventh. 16th. — I went to-day with Enos Pray to Smyrna meeting at eleven ; thence to Chester, an appointed meeting at three o'clock P. M. Both meetings were well attended, and satisfactory. 23d. — Clear and cold. Thermometer four degrees below zero. First-day school continued during this winter. There are some- times four classes in attendance — about twenty-five in all. Delivered a lecture of an hour last evening to the students and officers of the boarding-school, on " Business." Looking back, I see that the failure in the filling of grain in the oat crop, was greater in 1858, than at any time since my remem- brance. The season was wet in general, and the growth sufficiently large ; but a rust and a blight appeared to prevent the heads from filling. The wheat crop was also much of a failure, in a great many in- stances; but in others there was good wheat. So there was some good oats. Grass and hay were good. It was difficult to plant corn, on account of the extreme wet weather at the season — so the crop was short. Many fields were not planted at all, which were intended to be — the wet preventing ; but in other fields the corn was good, the land being such as could be tilled with less difficulty in wet weather. First-month 29. — William H. Ladd came in, in the evening, on his way to Illinois ; it was pleasant to receive him, and have him with us until Second-day morning, the 31st. 31st. — A pleasant meeting to-day of the central book and tract committee — and after that, of the executive committee of Indiana Bible association. Second-month 6. — James Owen acceptably with us at meeting to- day. Delivered my third lecture on "Business " to the students of the 1859.1 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 175 boarding-school last evening — James Owen present. Barclay White very sick. 10th. — Barclay White, son of Bethuel C. and Hannah White, died this morning about two o'clock. Our daughter Miriam and I, accompanied the sorrowing party with the corpse, as far as Charlotteville, and then returned. Third-month 4 and 5. — We had an agreeable Quarterly Meeting at Milford. Our friend Absalom Dennis obtained a certificate to visit the meetings of Friends belonging to the Yearly Meeting of North Carolina, and some other religious service. A committee was appointed by the Quarterly Meeting to visit the Monthly Meetings, for their help and encouragement, The Friends are Jacob Elliott, Daniel Williams, Elijah Coffin, John Miles, Jesse B. Williams, Levi Jessup, Naomi Coffin, Ann Ken- worthy, Rachael Bandy, Mary Jessup, Esther Gr. Dickinson. 8th. — James Cockayne, the younger, died to-day. 10th. — We attended the funeral. A quiet, solemn time. 12th. — The past winter has been unusually mild, and the weather is now fine and spring-like, at a much earlier date than occurs in some years. I have recently read " Trench on Bible Revision/' which I have found interesting and informing. The subject is treated of learn- edly, yet moderately and with candor and fairness. My wife and I have been reading together of evenings, " The Higher Christian Life," by Doctor Boardman, and find it a lively, experimental, and instructive work. We do not agree, of course, with his views on war, and on some other minor points; but esteem his work highly, as pervaded with a high-toned spirit of vital Christianity. Several able essays in the " Bibliotheca Sacra," have not failed to interest me deeply, upon a careful reading recently. A "reading circle" was formed on the 24th of the Twelfth- month last, composed of over forty Friends, who have met mostly at the house of Charles F. Coffin, and listened to an hour's reading with interest and edification. The have also met once each at Paul Barnard's, Matthew Barker's, and Achilles Williams', and are to meet at Clayton Hunt's. The Memoirs of Hannah C. Backhouse have had the first attention, being a recent work, and has not failed to be deeply interesting. Meeting on Sixth-day evening, generally, 176 LIFE OP ELIJAH COFFIN. [1859* at seven o'clock p. m. Reading matter and readers selected by a committee. A historical association, for essays and lectures on religious and literary subjects, has been recently organized, and a constitution adopted on the evening of the 8th instant. I have attended one preliminary meeting, and given in my name as a member. We hope to have a goodly number of intelligent young people con- nected with the association, and that good may come of it. I have been for some time past engaged in preparing a volume of " Scripture Exercises," for the highest classes of students, to follow Matthew, Mark and Genesis, embracing the gospels of Luke and John in harmony, with copious references to other parts of Scripture, particularly to Matthew and Mark; also, with explana- tory notes. I have already progressed through nearly or quite half the work, and propose to finish it, if life and ability shall be af- forded. 17th. — By a letter from Philadelphia, received to-day, I am in- formed of the decease of our beloved friend John Allen, of Lisk- eard, in Cornwall, England, one of the four Friends who came to this country in 1845, by appointment of the Yearly Meeting in London, on account of the Abolition difficulties. He made his home at our house for a considerable time during that visit, and we became greatly attached to him. His decease occurred on the 15th of the Second-month, 1859, in the sixty-ninth year of his age. I deeply feel the loss of this very dear friend. We have been united together in a feeling of warm Christian unity and fellowship, and his correspondence has always been interesting and refreshing. I feel that a brother beloved, and a father in the church has been taken away. May the memory of his bright Christian example, and of his sound faith, and love, and good works ever live with me, to encourage and incite me in the Christian pilgrimage. His close is said to have been peaceful, and I do not doubt but he is a partaker of that bliss, which is in store for the righteous. 18th and 19th.— Attended the Westfield Quarterly Meeting at Elk. The meeting is small, but there are a few valuable Friends there, and it is pleasant to be with them. Several other members of the committee of the Yearly Meeting of Ministers and Elders were in attendance, and our minute of appointment was read. Our friends John L. Eddy, of Huron county, Ohio, and Ellwood Qzbun 1859.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 177 and wife, of Salem. Iowa, were also in attendance; also Miriam Hough, of New Garden, accompanied by her husband — all under religious engagement. I visited our friends William and Delila Stubbs at their home, and they accompanied us to meeting, al- though his condition of health is critical. Had an agreeable home in West Elkton with their son-in-law, John Maddock, and Martha his wife. 20th. — First-Jay. — Had a good meeting at the usual hour; then, at three o'clock p.m., had a Bible meeting, at which, toward the conclusion, an association was organized, auxiliary to the Indiana Bible Association of Friends, with about thirty-five members, and nearly thirty donors of fifty cents and under, each. Came home- ward next morning, in company with John Pool, Jonathan John- son, William and Ann Kenworthy, and Rebecca Clawson, who had attended the two meetings. 26th. — We attended Milford Monthly Meeting to-day, on the committee of the Quarterly Meeting. Had a satisfactory meeting. Visited dear mother: then went to Aaron White's and staid the night. Beturned in the morning. 29th. — At Cincinnati on business. 30th. — Our daughter Hannah A. made us a very acceptable and agreeable visit in the early part of this month ; and now, in the latter part, we are cheered with a pleasant call from our dear Eli and Mary. Fourth-month 2. — The summer session of the boarding-school being now fairly in progress, I went this evening to commence a new series of lectures on business matters to the students. My desire and intention is to endeavor to inculcate sound principles, and correct, upright practices. 4th. — Eli and Mary went home this morning. 22d. — This evening, after reading, the reading circle was ad- journed over until Tenth-month next. The "readings" have been well attended, instructive, refreshing and satisfactory. I hope the evils of the tongue have been avoided. Weather very cool ; but hope the fruit is not destroyed. Our First-day school for Scriptural instruction was resumed for the summer session on the 10th inst., with an attendance of ninety- three students. On the 17th, we had one hundred and eighteen with favorable prospects for some good. 178 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1859- Fifth-month 26. — The committee appointed by our last Quarterly Meeting to visit the Monthly Meetings, have now gone through the attendance of all of them, to a good degree of satisfaction. Much of my time and attention have been taken up with the little work of " Scripture Exercises on Luke and John in Har- mony,'' before noticed, and I have now nearly completed the same! It has cost me so much labor and care, that I must hope for some usefulness from it, if it can be published and obtain circulation. A short time past, the death of Dennison Olmstead, a professor in Yale College at New Haven, and an eminent literary character in the United States, was announced ; and now we have the an- nouncement of the decease of Alexander von Humboldt of Berlin, a man of extensive attainments, and talents of a superior order, at an advanced age. Late advices from Europe bring the tidings of the formal decla- ration of war between Austria and Sardinia, in which France is a part}'- as an ally of the latter. A conflict between these mighty nations must be truly awful. We had much wet weather in the spring, but it has been dry of late ; a shower yesterday refreshed vegetation. Flour, wheat, corn and oats are all high, and the two last scarce. Flour, $3.50 per hundred pounds; wheat, $1.25 per bushel; corn, 80 cents per bushel ; oats, 55 cents per bushel ; Irish potatoes., $1.20 per bushel ; butter, 20 to 25 cents per pound. Our Bible association has been doing some good business; a short time past one hundred and twenty dollars was remitted to aid in the supply of Africa; the townships of Jackson and Boston, in this county, have been completely canvassed and supplied, and Washington and Wayne nearly so ; besides considerable work in other places ; all of which affords us satisfaction in the retrospect. We hear of the arrival at Milton of Sarah, wife of our dear William H. Coffin, with three children, on the 23d inst. We shall expect them here soon. Sixth-month 2. — Fifth-day morning. — Our Central Book and Tract Committee met this morning, and the " Scripture Exercises on Luke and John in Harmony" was laid before them for their judgment thereon, with reference to publication. Portions were read, and the work was considered, and much interest was mani- fested in the early publication thereof; and a minute was made recommending it for use. 1859.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 179 Meeting for Sufferings to-day; a comfortable good feeling pre- vailed. I have been engaged with a committee of that meeting preparing a revised statement of the meetings of Indiana Yearly Meeting, which was reported, adopted, and ordered to be printed. Sixth-day. — Ministers and Elders at eleven o'clock A. m.; a good meeting. African Committee at two o'clock p. m. A Bible Meet- ing at seven o'clock p. m. ; a very interesting meeting, at which the details of the canvassing of several townships were reported. Our dear Sarah Coffin came in this evening, the second time. Seventh-day. — Education Meeting at nine o'clock A. M. Quar- terly Meeting at eleven o'clock A. M.; a good meeting, and a large attendance. Asenath Clark, Ellwood Ozbun, Francis W. Thomas, and Sarah Ann Linton with us. First-day. — The weather is cold for the season, and we had a considerable frost last night. Some injury is done to the tender vegetables, and probably some to the wheat and small fruits. We had an interesting First-day school this morning ; about one hundred and twenty-five in attendance. A large meeting at eleven o'clock A. M. ; then at four o'clock P. M. Ellwood Ozbun had a meeting for the youth and others ; largely attended. Both good meetings. 15th. — Fourth-day. — I set off this morning to go to the Northern Quarterly Meeting, to be held at Back Creek, in Grant county. Went by railway to Anderson ; thence by wagon north, up the waters of Killbuck Creek, and staid at a country tavern. Passed through a better country than I had looked for. Fifth-day. — Left early, and, passing some rough road and inferior land, arrived at Fairmount about ten o'clock A. M., and reached Monthly Meeting at Back Creek at the usual hour. The meeting was long and appeared to me to be large. Dined at Aaron Hill's ; then to Richard Gordon's. Sixth-day. — Left Richard Gordon's early, he kindly taking me in his carriage ; and crossing back over the Mississinewa, took the road down it on the south side, passing Mississinewa meeting-house and Isaac Jay's near it, to Marion. Then returning, called at Isaac Jay's, and went with him to Back Creek, passing through Jones 1 boro', to the second Meeting of Ministers and Elders ; about forty in attendance ; a good meeting. Attended the African Committee in the afternoon. 180 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN,' [1859. Seventh-day. — Education Meeting at half-past nine o'clock; made some remarks which appeared to be well received. Quarterly Meeting at eleven' o'clock a. m.; very large; the house was so full as scarcely to be comfortable. Anna Hobbs, Jeremiah Hadley of Whitelick, Joseph Picket of Honey Creek, and Mary Ann Rich of the same parts, were in attendance, with minutes. William Binford of Walnut Ridge was also there. The meeting held long, and was a good meeting. A Bible Meeting at five o'clock p. m. Much lively interest in the cause was shown, and a new auxiliary to the Indiana. Bible Association of Friends was organized. Returned to Aaron Hill's, having dined at Nathan Morris'. 19th. — First-day. -^-Attended the Scriptural school at Back Creek, in the morning. The meeting at eleven o'clock was large, and an- other for the youth was held at four o'clock P. m. — both good meet- ings. Went home with Jesse Wilson, and then to Nathan Wilson's, both near Fairmount. 20th. — Returned home. 26th. — Attended a Bible Meeting at West River, in the limits of Springfield Monthly Meeting. Ann Hunt died on the morning of the 26th, and was buried in the afternoon of the 27th. The funeral was largely attended. We have recently had pleasant visits from our beloved daughters, Mary C. Johnson, Hannah Amelia White, and Sarah W. Coffin. Seventh-month 3. — First-day. — One hundred and twenty-three scholars in attendance at our First-day Scriptural school, this morning. 10th. — First-day. — My aged cousin, Joseph Coffin, departed this life, at the house of William B. Hinshaw, in Economy, to-day ; aged a little over eighty-five. I visited him a few days past, much to satisfaction. To him, I believe, death was not unexpected, and I have no doubt of his having entered into rest. 11th. — Attended the funeral at Fairfield; it was largely attended, and a solemn meeting. 26th. — Our son William arrived from Kansas. We were rejoiced to greet him again at our dwelling. After drought of about four weeks, we have had some delightful refreshing rains. Eighth-month 15. — Death of Nathan Rambo. 1859.1 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 181 Our clear children. William and Sarah, and their three sons Wil- liam, Albert, and Robert, are agreeably with us. 23d. — Our children, William and Sarah, and their three sons, left Milford for Kansas. I attended West Branch Quarterly Meeting n the 19th, 20th and 21st, which was satisfactory. A Bible Meeting was held on First-day morning, at nine o'clock A. M., the 21st, which was largely attended. 26th. — I visited my brother and sister, Thomas and Hannah Symons, at Spiceland. The little book of Scripture Exercises on Luke and John in Har- mony, is received to-day. It is neatly gotten up by the publishers, and I must hope and desire that it may be introduced, used, and found useful in the good work of a Scriptural education. We have had refreshing rains, which have invigorated the crops of corn, and caused the fields to give prospect of a fair turn-out. 31st. — More rain — and delightfully cool and clear since it fell. Ninth-month 1. — We hear, this morning, with much interest and feeling, of the birth of a daughter, yesterday, to our dear Hannah Amelia and Morris White. She was doing well when the message left. 2d. — John Hawkins, an old friend, and an early settler in this neighborhood, is buried to-day. 2d and 3d. — Our Quarterly Meeting at Milford — pretty largely attended, and satisfactory. Charles and Khoda set off on the morning of the 2d to Ohio Yearly Meeting, in company with several other Friends. 13th. — They returned, having had an interesting visit. 16th. — I left home to attend the Western Yearly Meeting. On arriving at Plainfield was kindly taken in by my valued friends Eleazar and Esther Bales, with whom I made my home. 17th. — The Meeting of Ministers and Elders was held at eleven o'clock A. M., and the Meeting for Sufferings at three o'clock P. M.; both good meetings. 18th. — Two large Meetings for Worship. We have in attend- ance, Thomas and Hannah Arnett, Daniel Williams, Thomas Fra- zier, Ellwood Ozbun, Jane Jones, Eliza P. Gurney, Daniel Hutchin, Smith G-regg, and others, from other Yearly Meetings. Phebe R. (xifford should also be named. 182 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1859. 19th. — The Yearly Meeting for Discipline was opened to-day. Their large house was well filled — estimated at about two thousand members. An interesting meeting. This is Second-da & — & . *y- From this until Fifth-day evening the 22d, my attention was occupied, with a deep feeling of interest, in attending each day a sitting of the Yearly Meeting, and in meeting also with the Min- isters and Elders, and with committees who were engaged in im- portant matters of general interest. Friends were remarkably kind in their bearing toward me, and having been so lately engaged to- gether in our own Yearly Meeting, in the services of the body, it- appeared much like being at home to be with them — the mutual fellowship and good will, which appeared to exist, gave me great pleasure. I left Plainfield and came home one day before the meeting closed, on account of the near approach of our own Yearly Meeting, and for other reasons. On arriving at home, I found that our daughter, Caroline E. Ladd, with two children, were making us a most acceptable visit. 27 th.— Third-day. — The Yearly Meeting of Ministers and Elders met at ten o'clock. We had a large and interesting meeting. At three o'clock p. M. our Meeting for Sufferings convened. The busi- ness was proceeded with to satisfaction. 28th. — Fourth-day. — We had a large public Meeting for Wor- ship to-day. Our friend Lindley M. Hoag, who is in attendance this year from Iowa, has been largely engaged in powerful min- istry. 29th. — Fifth-day. — The Yearly Meeting was gathered at eleven o'clock, A. M. The number in attendance is evidently not quite so large as it was before the Western Yearly Meeting was set up ; but still the house is pretty well filled below, with many in the youth's "■allery — so that the meeting is still large. Business was progressed with in a comfortable manner: about the usual amount lor this day being gone through. Last evening, our central book and tract committee held their Annual Meeting, which was satisfactory. This evening the Education Meeting was held ; pretty largely attended, but not so satisfactory as it might have been, on account of a want of order, etc., in the reports. It was concluded to hold a First-day School Meeting on First-day evening. 30th. — Sixth-day. — The state of Society, and other interest- 1859.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 183 ing topics had the consideration of the meeting to-day. A good meeting. "VVe have in attendance at the Yearly Meeting Eliza P. Gurney and her companion Hannah B. Mottj Phebe R. G-iffbrd, and her husband, Isaac R. Gifford. with her; Hannah Pierson, accompanied by her husband, Thomas Pierson, and several of our own members from a distance — Thomas Frazier, Ellwood Ozbun, William Pear- son, Jane Jones, and other from Iowa, and Sarah M. Iliatt from Minnesota. This evening the Bible Meeting was held; an interesting time. Tenth-month 1. — Seventh-day. — The report of the central book and tract committee was read this morning, and received as much favor, atid even more than I had expected. The meeting then united in granting a request for another Quarterly Meeting in Iowa, called South River. After this, the request for the establishment of a new Yearly Meeting in Iowa was considered, and a committee was, with entire unity, appointed to visit the Quarterly and other meetings in that State, in reference thereto. Several other reports on interesting subjects were afterward read, and disposed of. 2d. — First-day. — Two very large meetings for public worship were held as usual. Then, in the evening, a meeting, on the sub- ject of First-day schools for Scriptural instruction. It was conclu- ded to recommended to the Yearly Meeting to appoint a special committee on that subject. The proposition received a favorable response, and a large committee was appointed to have the care of that interesting subject, "for the further advancement of the cause, and for greater efficiency of action upon it in the subordinate meetings." The event of a First-day school association becoming a part of the regular business of the Yearly Meeting, was regarded by Elijah Coffin with no ordinary emotions ; he having been one of the first to consult on the expediency of such a measure being taken. As the subject of this memoir has only set his seal to the deep interest which he took in the Sabbath school cause, from early manhood, by frequent 184 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1859. references to the particular schools in which he was en- gaged, and has not spoken explicitly upon the subject, this would seem a proper place to remark upon it, or one of the chief portraitures of his character would be omitted. Prompted by a desire to aid in advancing the interests of true Christianity, about the year 1817 he was one of a few young Friends w r ho were instrumental in forming a Sabbath school at New Garden, North Carolina. In this effort they encountered much opposition from the prejudices even of good people ; however, it should be remembered that at that early date the subject was new, and many of the same Friends became favorable to the cause. Having no experience in the formation of such schools, it was con- ducted quite differently from those of the present day, and was not under a regular organization, but one who himself took a lively part in the establishment of the school says of Elijah Coffin, that he was the master spirit, and properly the leader and superintendent. On his removal to Cincinnati, Ohio, one of his first steps was to establish the first Friends' Frist-day school, which was ever put into operation in that city, in the autumn of 1833, and of which he was the superintendent, and only teacher during his residence there. The school was not divided into classes • the general plan of conducting it was, for all to read portions of Scripture, verse about, after which he made explanatory remarks, with the appropriate applica- tion for the benefit of the hearers. In the summer of 1835, we next find him at Richmond, Indiana, awake to the necessity of this important branch of Christian labor, by enlivening an interest in the cause. An effort had been made by Friends, the preceding summer, to establish a school ; but at the time of Elijah Coffin's re- moval to that place it had ceased to exist. 1859.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 185 He opened a school in the school-house, near Whitewater meeting-house ,which was at a later period taken under charge of a Monthly Meeting committee, and held in the meeting-house. In this school he performed the duties of superintendent for twenty-eight years, until the time of his death. It is alike impossible and unnecessary for us to follow him throughout his labors, both within and without, his own religious Society, having continued an earnest worker, and strenuous supporter of the cause until the close of his life, and left, as a testimony of his devotion, a series of Scrip- ture Question Books, " which shows great Biblical knowl- edge and research." He was frequent in his attendance of the Sabbath schools of other denominations, and on an occasion of seeing either older or younger gathered to gain a knowledge of the gos- pel truths, it was seldom that his voice was not heard ex- pressive of his delight, and his words of encouragement both to teachers and scholars drew forth the affectionate regard of Christians of every name. He was instrumental, in connection with other religious professors, in establishing Union Sabbath schools, in local- ities where there was no Sabbath school under the care of religious denominations, and in these labors, instances have occurred which have given evidence that an especial bless- ing rested upon the work. He was filled with an expan- sive Christian love, and believed in a close union of Chris- tian hearts, in the spread of the simple gospel truths, and, while he expressed an ardent love for his own church, his spirit seemed to rise above all sectarian feeling, into the purer atmosphere of love to God and to his fellow-men, without regard to name or condition. This is shown in 13 186 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1859. the following extract;, from the notes taken of the last ad- dress, he made in public : " Every real Christian should possess, and doubtless would feel in a greater or less de- gree, that love which embraces the whole human family, and anything like an exclusive feeling that would hinder us from uniting, under a genuine concern for our own preser- vation in the truth, in efforts with any fellow-Christian, for the good of others, he was fearful came from a wrong source. Nor is there any need, while laboring in this spirit outside our religious Society, of compromising our own precious, although peculiar religious principles. As a people we owe a duty and a service, not only to our own members, but to society at large, and it well becomes us as Christians to inquire whether we are coming up to our line of duty in this respect. He had often felt interested in the establish- ment of these schools (Sabbath schools), without the pale of our Society, and had sometimes labored herein with those not in profession with himself, and from his own experience he could testify that these efforts had not lessened his love or attachment for the truth as professed by Friends. In this Christian interest he would encourage such labors, and when the motive to the work springs from a love to Christ, he believed that a blessing would attend the service." In tracing Elijah Coffin's course in the Sabbath school enterprise, much might be revealed in relation to the marked features of his character, the most prominent of which were love to the Saviour, and a chaste attachment to His cause, with simple devotedness to His service-— his cheerful Chris- tian and his enlarged and catholic spirit, which led him to entertain a warm feeling of affection for other professing Christians, while he steadily maintained, with consistency, his own views and religious principles as a Friend. In al- 1859.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 187 lusion to this distinguishing principle of his character, a brief extract is taken from a letter, written after his decease, by his highly honored friend Benjamin Seebohm to a member of his family : " No narrow-minded, sectarian spirit was per- mitted to mar the beauty and symmetry of his character as a faithful Friend, and it is comforting to reflect to what a large extent he was made the means of blessing to the Christian community to which he belonged, while his sphere of usefulness was, by no means, confined to their limits." As a further evidence of the spirit in which he labored in the Sabbath school cause, the writer will conclude her remarks, by extracting from a copy of the " Memoirs of Elizabeth Dudley," now in her possession, a passage which exempli- fied the sentiments of the subject of this memoir so fully, that on reading them at one time he took his pencil and marking the margin, wrote: "Heartily approved," sign- ing it with his full name, in a broad hand. " It is interest- ing to see real heart-felt religion flourish amidst the shades of difference ^which outwardly distinguish professing Chris- tians ; and I believe more frequent intercourse among tne spiritually-minded of all denominations would increase our toleration for each other, by bringing under the influence of that charity which ' seeketh not her own,' but 'rejoic- eth in the truth wherever found.' " The journal continues : Tenth-month 3 and 4. — In these two days the business of the Yearly Meeting was gone through, and the meeting came to a sol- emn close to much satisfaction. Most of the Friends in attendance left very soon. Eli and Mary went home, to Cincinnati, on the evening of the fourth. 6th. — Fifth-day. — William H. Ladd and Caroline left this morn- ing for home, intending to go by way of Cincinnati, and remain there a few days. l 12th. — We were greatly moved by hearing of the sudden and un- 188 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1859. expected decease of our nephew Jesse D. Hiatt, of Kansas, which occurred on the evening of the fourth instant. He was a valuable young man, who will be much missed at the meeting and in the cir- cle in which he belonged. Their grief will be poignant, but the Supreme Ruler in his inscrutable wisdom has things as he will, and orders all for the best. It becomes us to accept his dispensations with submission and deep reverence. » "L Our boarding-school opens, for the winter session, with favorable prospects. This week about fifty-five boys and sixty-five girls are received. Tenth-month 14— Attended the committee (now Earlham College.) 20th. — A great stir with the county fair. Eleventh-month 17. — When this day of the year rolls around I am solemnly reminded of the rapid progress of time. This adds ano- ther year to my age. I am now sixty-one. A year now seems much shorter than one did in very early life. On the eleventh, I went to Waynesville, to attend the Miami Quarterly Meeting and the Indian Committee, of which last I am now a member. We desire to make an effort to obtain a complete title to the land and premises in Kansas, where our school is kept for the Shawnee Indians. The Meeting of Ministers and Elders and that of the Indian Committee were both pleasant. 12th. — Miami Quarterly Meeting. Exceedingly rainy. Attended the Education and African Committees in the morning; then the Quarterly Meeting at eleven. It was a good meeting. I had in- tended to go home this evening, but the trains do not connect. Staid last night with my beloved friends Thomas and Hannah Ar- nett. Our fellowship is renewed by our social meeting and by their kind hospitality. In the evening it was very inclement, but I went in company with our Eli and Mary C. Johnson, to Cincinnati, many other Friends being in company. 13th. — First-day. — Attended Friends' First-day school, in Cin- * cinnati this morning — then Meeting for Worship. In the afternoon went with Eli Johnson to a Sabbath -school, at the Central (Pres- byterian) Church, where there were over two hundred children. I was called upon for some remarks at the close. The occasion was an interesting one. Returned home on Second-day, the fourteenth. { The weather has, so far this season, since last spring, been I860.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 189 remarkably agreeable and pleasant, there having been very little of extreme. , Eleventh-month 28. — I went to Cincinnati to attend the Annual Meeting of the Young Men's Bible Society, which was held in the evening. I felt much diffidence at the idea of making remarks, but being called out by the chairman, I addressed the congregation for fifteen to twenty minutes, which I have reason to believe from the kindness which was shown to me, was well received and satisfac- tory. Twelfth-month 2, 3 and 4. — Our Quarterly and other meetings were held on those days to satisfaction. The weather is beginning to be inclement and cold. 5th. — My dear wife and daughter Miriam went to Cincinnati. My wife's object, mainly, was to consult her advising physician Doctor David Judkins, who has had her case under care for some time past. 8th. — On yesterday morning, after an inclement windy night, with snow, the thermometer sunk to three degrees below zero ; much the coldest, so far, this winter, and although yesterday was a fine day, the cold did not moderate, but became more intense last night, so that this morning, the thermometer indicated sixteen degrees be- low zero. 20th. — Rhoda M. Coffin and I visited sixty four families, in the first ward, in Richmond, to ascertain if there were any families in need as to food or clothing, and if all were supplied with the Holy Scriptures. We found eleven families who had not the Bihle ; sold six Bibles and gave away six, by which all were supplied ; sold one Testament and gave away two ; found but one family, who at the present time, needs help. 24th. — Snow still on the ground. Thermometer four degrees be- low zero this morning. 31st. — Our friend, James Johnson, is dangerously ill. The wea- ther is very cold : fourteen degrees below zero this morning. First-month 1 and 2, 1860. — The cold weather continues. Thir- teen degrees below zero in the morning, and for more than forty- eight hours the mercury did not rise above zero at mid-day. 4th. — Fourth-day ', evening. — Our friend James Johnson expired at a quarter past eleven last night. He was an active and useful man — a friend whom I highly valued, and the loss of whom I shall much 190 ~LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1860. feel. He has a large and interesting family. Our children, Eli and Mary, are here to see him. 7th. — The funeral was to-day, at ten A. M., largely attended. A solemn meeting before interment. Weather moderated, with some rain. 19th. — We hear to-day, of the decease of our dear and valued friend Dr. Richard H. Thomas, of Baltimore. He was indeed a bro- ther beloved, to whom my heart was greatly attached in the bonds of Christian unity and fellowship. He was one of those members of the church who understood the doctrines of Christianity, and who was a Christian from experience, knowing the realities of religion by its practical operation. I feel great confidence that he has enter- ed into rest, and that he is receiving the end of his faith, even the salvation of his soul. The church on earth has lost in him a val- uable member and his personal friends a dear and affectionate bro- ther. Of him, it seems to me it may be truly said, as of almost any other within my knowledge, "Let me die the death of the right- eous, and let my last end be like his." His decease took place on the fifteenth, and his funeral was appointed to take place on the eight- eenth. 21st, 22d, 23d. — James C. Fletcher, late a missionary to Brazil, delivered three lectures in the evenings ; one on "Brazil and the Bra- zilians;" the second on "The Bible in Brazil;" and the third on "Sardinia and the Waldenses;" all of which were listened to by myself and others with much interest. I went with him to Earl- ham College, on the twenty-third, 'where amongst other things, he entertained the students, with great pleasure with some remarks, in a lecture of nearly an hour, on his travels in Brazil and Europe and other subjects. Second-month 3. — My wife and I went to Cincinnati and remained there until the sixth, in company with our children and other friends. I attended the reading circle in the evening at Harriet Steer's where more than twenty were present, and the exercise and inter- view were pleasant. On Seventh-day evening, the fourth, several friends were invited to M. M. White's, whose company we enjoyed. , First-day 5. — Very wet weather in the morning, so the First-day I860.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 191 school was small at Friends' Meeting House. Eli Newlin and Andrew F. Evans were at meeting. I went with Eli and Mary C. Johnson to the Bethel Sabbath School, at two, P. M. It was a new scene to me. There were pre- sent, probably, between two and three hundred poor children, and it?seems to me that this movement for instructing these children in morality and religion, giving them good advice, and contributing to their necessities, is one of a deeply interesting character, opening a great field for the exercise of true Christian benevolence, mercy and charity. I believe that the Divine blessing may be expected to aid an enterprize so truly Christian in its objects. I omitted to record at its proper date, the adjournment on First- day, the twenty-ninth of the First-month, of the winter session of our First-day school. This session was attended in the early part by about sixty persons ; and in the latter part, since the weather became inclement, by from thirty to forty. Our Scripture exer- cises and communion together have been sweet and pleasant — and we now adjourn, with some regret, at parting. Second-month 13. — Our aged friend, Margaret Morris, died this afternoon at about four o'clock. She has been lonsr an invalid and Sunk at last and went off rather suddenly. There is ground to hope that her end is peace. I spent part of the day in canvassing Sevastopol, one of our sub- urbs, to ascertain and supply destitution of Holy Scriptures to fam- ilies. 15th. — I attended the funeral of Margaret Morris, at Milford. We had a solemn, quiet meeting. Decease of Hannah Bell, at two A. M. 21st.— Death of Sarah Hubbard, wife of Richard J. Hubbard. 23d.— Visited Earlham College. 24th. — Death of George Fiske, an Episcopal minister, with whom 1 had acquaintance and some intimacy. 25th. — I have been hearing, each evening this week, a course of lectures delivered by Doctor Boynton, on Geology and kindred subjects. The lectures have been very interesting and informing. This may be said without indorsing every opinion which was ad- vanced. The doctor has, however, evidently devoted great attention to the subject, and entered largely into investigations of various matters relating thereto. 192 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1860. "" 26th. — First-day. — Attended a Scripture recitation at the College this morning. Second-month 27, 28, 29.— These three days have been chiefly taken up in attending the examinations at Earlham College. About one hundred and fifty students have attended the college in the session just closed, and the progress and administration have been as satisfactory as at any previous time. The Scripture recitations have, probably, been better than any before. Third-month 2 and 3, — Our Quarterly Meeting at Milford. A good meeting. Thomas Jay and his companion, Richard Gordon, present. We have been much moved on hearing of the increased indispo- sition of our dear Eli Johnson. Charles and Rhoda are going to see him. 11th. — Our First-day school committee convened this morning to make arrangments for conducting the summer session. I have been superintendent for many years — and was again appointed to the service — Isaac P. Evans, assistant. 12th. — I went to Cincinnati, our daughter Miriam with me, to see Eli Johnson. Found him feeble, but cheerful as could be ex- pected. 13th. — I returned home, and Eli came with me and staid until the sixteenth. 18th. — The physician having advised a 'trip to the south as most likely to benefit Eli Johnson, he and our dear Mary took passage on the boat "City of Madison,'' for New Orleans, expecting to pro- ceed thence to Cuba and elsewhere, if Providence favor it. .Our deep sympathies go with them. 30th and 31st. — Having undertaken to visit the families in Sevas- topol, a suburb village near Richmond, to ascertain the state of sup- ply of Holy Scriptures among them, these two days were partly occupied with that service. Fifty-three families were visited, and three, who were not supplied, were furnished, but four destitute Ro- man Catholic families declined to be supplied. Tracts were distri- buted at most places. Letters received from Eli and Mary give us an agreeable account of their progress down ihe Ohio river. Fourth-month 1. — First-day. — This morning, at nine o'clock, the summer session of our First-day school, for Scriptural instruction, I860.] LIFE OP ELIJAH COFFE*. 193 was opened. The morning was rainy, but we had an attendance of fifty-three students. We had a pleasant meeting of the teachers and some others at six P. M. ] Fourth-month 7. — Attended a meeting of the associated commit- tees on Scriptural schools, in the limits of our Quarterly Meeting, held at Bethel, for organizing a branch of the general committee on First-day schools. Ninety-five Friends were in attendance and the meeting was satisfactory. 8th. — The second week of our First-day school. One hundred and ten present. Francis W. Thomas held an appointed meeting at Whitewater, at three P. M. — I was not present because a Bible Meeting had been appointed at Centerville, whieh I was expected to attend. We had a respectable and attentive congregation at the Bible Meeting ; and after remarks on the needs, objects and designs of the Bible cause, a collection was taken up and about ten dollars contributed to aid in the work. 9th. — We have encouraging letters from our dear Eli and Mary, at New Orleans. They were to sail for Cuba, on the eighth. Our daughter, Hannah Amelia, is making us a visit much to our satisfaction. < 19th. — A letter is received from Mary, at Havana, very interest- ing to us. Eli is improved : date Fourth-month 10. We had an attendance of one hundred and sixteen at our Scrip- ture school, on last First-day, the fifteenth. Enos Gr. Pray and some others present. In the afternoon we attended the opening of their summer session, at Orange, and had a satisfactory time. A Teachers' Meeting in the evening. V I am now engaged in my "Scripture Exercises" in Kings and Chronicles. Fourth-month 21. We have another satisfactory letter from our dear Mary, dated Havana, twelfth : doing well. Fine rains have fallen and the cherry, pear and apple trees are in full bloom. 22d. — Fine rain. One hundred and twenty-five at Scripture school this morning. 25th. — Monthly Meeting. Zeri and Miriam Hough in attendance, with minutes to our satisfaction. The meeting granted to myself and my dear wife a minute for 194 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1860. our eastern journey which we are proposing, with the aid of Pro- vidence, to accomplish. We are thinking first to visit William and Caroline E. Ladd, for a few days, and afterward to proceed toward New York, in order to attend the Yearly Meeting. 26th — Cold and severe frost. 28th. — Still cool, with frost in the morning. 29th. — One hundred and twenty-four at Scripture school this morning. Murray Shipley and Jonathan Dickinson present. In the afternoon I went to Sevastopol, to aid in the organization of a Sabbath school in that village. 30th. — White fr5st. We had agreeable meetings of our Central Book and Tract Committee and the Executive Committee of the Indiana Bible Association of Friends, to-day. Fifth-month 1, 1860. — Cool. Much of the fruit is destroyed. My little library and study-room is about finished. 4th. — Another letter from Mary, to twenty-sixth ultimo, at leaving Cuba, crossing the gulf and stopping at Key West. A pleasant passage. 5th. — Warm and seasonable. 6th.— One hundred and sixteen at Scripture school this morning. Attended again at Sevastopol — about fifty present. 8th. — We had made preparation for our eastern journey, and ac- cordingly set off at ten A. M., by railway. At Dayton, we fell in with Ephraim Morgan, and he and I, being under appointment to give attention to procuring a complete title to the tract of land oc- cupied by our establishment in Kansas, for the civilization and improvement of the Shawnee Indians, it was deemed necessary that we should proceed at once to Washington City with regard thereto ; so, passing on together to Newark, Ohio, we parted with my wife at that place, who proceeded to William H. Ladd's, and we went on our way ; crossing the Ohio river, below Wheeling, we traveled through the night and reached Washington at about five P. M., on the ninth. We visited Edward Clark, attorney for the Shawnese, and Senator Pugh, the same evening in relation to business; and next morning we again visited Senator Pugh, then the Commissioner of Indian Affairs — Greenwood — and having found that a new treaty, or modi- fication of the treaty last made in 1854, will be necessary before I860.] LIFE OP ELIJAH COFFIN. 195 the end we had in view could be accomplished, we made all such arrangements as appeared proper in regard to having an article in- serted to accomplish our objects whenever a new treaty should be entered into. "We soon began to make preparations to return. We had visited the Capitol and walked through the grounds, and walked some through the city, and called on Representatives Kilgour and Case, early in the day: and now we again went to the Capitol, vis- ited the House of Representatives and the Senate, each for a short time ; then went to our hotel, took dinner, and left in the cars for the west, at three p. m., and after a favorable trip with a long train of cars, in which we passed the Alleghanies during the night, we arrived at the Ohio river at breakfast time in the morning of 11th. Ephriam proceeded on homeward, and I stopped at Wheeling to breakfast. After breakfast I crossed over the Ohio, took the rail- way to Steubenville, and went thence to William H. Ladd's. It was very pleasant to greet my dear wife and children again, and to rest with them on Seventh-day the twelfth. £ 13th. — First-day. — Attended First-day Scriptural school at Cross- creek, at half past nine o'clock A. m.j about thirty present. Then at Meeting for Worship. At three o'clock p. M. we visited a Bible class, taught by Caroline Talbert, wife of Kinsey Talbert, at their dwelling; an interesting class of thirty or more in attendance. At six o'clock p. m. we had a Bible Meeting in Richmond, which was respectably attended. I addressed them nearly an hour, and was listened to patiently. The next three days we passed agreeably with our children, and their friends. To James D. Ladd's on the 14th p. M. ; 15th A. M. to see Benjamin Hobson and Sarah Ann, his wife ; and in the p. M. to Matthew Watson's and Eliza, his wife. (She has been long confined by indisposition.) 16th A. M. to Abraham J. Hobson's and his sister [Elizabeth; and in the P. M. to William Henry Crew's and Deborah, his wife. In the afternoon of 17th we set off for Quarterly Meeting at Mount Pleasant, and staid that night at Joseph Jones', at Smith- field, on our way. We had rain before arrival. 18th. — Sixth-day. — We went forward this morning from Smith- field to Mount Pleasant, and after calling at the house of our friends George and Sarah Jenkins, we attended the Quarterly Meeting of Ministers and Elders; about eight men and eisrht or nine 'o — *- v " **-~ "*&' 196 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1860. women present. We had a pleasant time together, and after meet- ing we returned to Greorge Jenkins' to dinner. In the afternoon, William H. Ladd accompanied me to the Mount Pleasant boarding- school, where we were respectfully received by Yeardley and Han- nah Ann Warner, the superintendent and matron. We were kindly and freely shown through the premises, and heard one or two reci- tations. There were sixteen girls and five boys in the school at this time (about sixteen or seventeen students present.) Went to David Updegraff's in the evening, and had an interesting visit with them and their mother, Ann Taylor, now in the ninty-fifth year of her age. 19th. — Seventh-day. — Attended Short Creek Quarterly Meeting at Mount Pleasant. It was small, but a good meeting. Samuel Lloyd obtained the sanction of the meeting for a religious visit to New York, New England, Baltimore and North Carolina. We dined at Jonathan Binn's. At five o'clock p. m. a Bible Meeting was held, mainly, no doubt, at my suggestion. A respectable company present, and a good meeting. We made a pleasant visit to Ellwood Ratcliffe and his wife Mar- tha, and staid the night. 20th. — First-day. — To Scriptural school at nine o'clock A. M.; school not large, but a pleasant time. To Meeting for Worship at eleven o'clock a. m. A good meeting. Dined with Gr. Gr. and Jane M. Plummer. Attended a First-day school meeting at three o'clock P. M., and had a pleasant time together. Returned to our friends George and Sarah Jenkins', and passed the evening and next morning very agreeably with them. 21st. — After breakfast we called at Thomas Terrell's, who has no other family than his daughter Olive. Doctor Updegraff made an application of chloride of zinc to a large troublesome wart on my hand, with a view to its removal. At twelve o'clock Thomas Terrell most kindly took us into a carriage and conveyed us to Wheeling, at which place we left in the cars at ten minutes past three for Baltimore. 22d.— After more than sixteen hours in the cars, we arrived at Baltimore about eight o'clock A. M., and were kindly taken in by Doctor James Carey Thomas and his amiable wife Mary. After I860.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 197 getting some refreshment and rest, we visited our dear aged friend Hugh Balderston, who had been long confined by illness, and who had lived longer already than he had expected. He was feeble, but sitting up ; and we had a pleasant visit. [This dear and val- ued friend departed this life on the 14th of the Sixth-month fol- lowing.] We returned to Doctor Thomas' to dinner, and in the afternoon made a very pleasant visit to Deborah, the widow of the late Doctor Richard H. Thomas, who has a pleasant residence near the city, having the Doctor's children, and his sister Henrietta, and her own aged mother, in family. We returned with Doctor James and his wife, who had kindly gone with us in the evening. 23d. — We left Baltimore for Philadelphia at forty minutes past eight o'clock A. M., and stopped off at Wilmington, Delaware, at eleven o'clock, to make a short visit to our beloved friends John W. Tatum and Amy his wife, and their daughter Hannah. We enjoyed the visit much, and had pleasant calls from our friends Samuel Hilles and wife, and Charles Howland and Gulielma his wife, who is a daughter of S. Hilles. We arrived at Philadelphia at ten o'clock p. M., being most kindly met and taken in by our friends John and Mary Whitall. 24th. — Attended a Monthly Meeting in Arch street at ten o'clock A. m.; after meeting, made a call at our beloved friend Thomas Evans', then dined at Thomas Kimber's ; in the afternoon attended a meeting at Arch street meeting-house, in regard to the Oneida Indians; and afterward took tea at Doctor Theophilus E. Beesely's. 25th. — Accompanied by our valued friends Isaac and Rebecca Collins, we were conducted through the House of Refuge, an in- stitution to which they devote much time and labor for the im- provement of the inmates. The institution appears to be in excel- lent order, and the opportunities afforded to the children and youth who are confined here, by the discipline and education which are in- culcated, must be of inestimable value to them. We were highly en- tertained, and much interested in the visit. Our friends next took us to the Eastern Penitentiary, at which we spent a short time see- ing its construction, etc. The confinement is solitary. We were admitted into one of the cells occupied by a female prisoner. We next went with Rebecca to the Howard House, a charitable institu- tion for destitute women, which she had been instrumental in es- 198 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1860. tablishing. We found here some sixteen woman clean and comfort- able. To J. M. Whitall's to dinner. After dinner we went to Haverford College by railway, several Friends going with us. It was pleasant to greet again Our friends Timothy Nicholson, the superintendent, Elizabeth B. Hopkins, the matron, and Charles Atherton, who is acting as governor. The lo- cation and outside improvements are beautiful, and apparently healthy, but the buildings did not equal our expectations. We did not have opportunity, in the short stay we made, to hear much in the way of recitations, but have no doubt that the opportunities afforded by the institution for good education are excellent. We took sup- per with the officers and students now about sixty in number ; then at dark, after a hasty look through their fine large telescope, and at several other fine instruments, we returned in the cars to Phila- delphia. 26th. — Made a call at William Evans',~attended to some matters of business, then went to dine with our friends Richard and Han- nah Richardson. Here we met with our friends Edith Griffith, Eli Haines, Joseph and Lydia Haviland, now out on religious con- cern. In the evening we went to Charles and Emma Yarnall's to tea, and met with a very pleasant company. 27th. — First-day. — Went to meeting at Twelfth street — which was a good meeting. After dinner at John M. Whitall's. I went to Catherine Shipley's school for the instruction of neglected children ; then, at half past three o'clock p. m., attended the First-day Scrip- tural school at Twelfth street meeting-house, which interested us. We took tea with Townsend Sharpless and wife, and attended the evening Meeting for Worship at seven o'clock. 28th. — Stephen Morris kindly went with me to Radnor to visit his father, our dear aged friend Israel W. Morris, which was very satisfactory. Returning we called at Samuel Rhoads', but he had gone to the city. We returned and dined at John M. Whitall's, and left for Burlington at two o'clock p. m., his wife Mary kindly going with us. Called at William J. Allinson's — at tea at Joseph Taylor's and his sister Hannah; called at our dear friend Susan R. Smith's, and went to Eliza P. Grurney's to lodge. 29th. — We attended Burlington Quarterly Meeting at ten o'clock A. M. The meeting was not large, but agreeable. Samuel Allin- son, clerk. After meeting we went to dine with Richard Mott, jr., I860.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 199 and wife, with our friend Hannah Mott, who traveled west last season with E. P. Ghirney. We had tea at William J. Allinson's, and after tea, had an interesting call on our aged friend Rebecca G-rellet, widow of the late Stephen Grellet, daughter of Isaac Col- lins. She gave me an interesting account of her labors as proof reader with her sister, of the proof sheets of the quarto Bible, pub- lished by her father — the first, or one of the very first, which was printed on this side the Atlantic. She is infirm, but entirely bright in her mind — aged about eighty-two. Afterward we made a pleas- ant call at our friend Rowland Jones' ;'he was in North Carolina in the days of our youth, in company with Abigail Barker and Mar- garet Allinson, whose memory is sweet to us. Returned to William J. Allinson's to lodge. 30th. — We left Burlington at seven o'clock A. M. for New York, and arrived at Henry Dickinson's, 164 Eldrige street, in that city, at about twelve o'clock m. I attended the " Representative Meet- ing" at three o'clock P. M., and was much interested. Over thirty members in attendance. 31st. — Fifth-day. — The Yearly Meeting of Ministers and Elders convened at ten o'clock A. M. About seventy men and fifty woman present. This was a good meeting. Sixth-month 1. — The Yearly Meeting of New York was opened to-day at ten o'clock A. M. About two hundred and fifty to two hundred and seventy-five members present in the men's apartment. Certificates of Friends from abroad, epistles, etc., proceeded with. The Friends from abroad with certificates, are Thomas Frazier, Lindley M. Hoag, from Iowa; Samuel Lloyd, from Ohio, accom- panied by Asa Williams; Jeremiah A. G-rinnell, accompanied by William E. Morris, from Indiana, and ourselves ; Edith Griffith, accompanied by Lydia H. Haviland and Eli Haines, from western Pennsylvania. [Julia Ann McCool, accompanied by her husband, Thomas McCool, from Iowa, and Mary Pinkham, from Ohio, came in before the meeting ended.] We dined at William and Mary S. Wood's, and attended the af- ternoon sitting at three o'clock. The minutes of the Representa- tive Meeting were read. We had an interesting Bible Meeting at eight o'clock p. m. at the meeting-house, well attended — held pretty much, I believe, at my suggestion. It gave me pleasure to witness^so much interest, i 200 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1860. 2d. — The Yearly Meeting convened at ten o'clock A. m. The minutes of last year were read, and then an interesting report was read of the " Murray Fund, " and the distribution of books by the trustees. A report of the Tract Association, although an independ- ent association, was introduced and read, and was responded to by many appropriate remarks. We dined at Robert Lindley and Ruth Murray's, 320 East Thir- tieth street, in company with our friends Thomas Frazier, Rudolph Yorke, and several other Friends. Then to meeting again at four P. M., when an interesting report, in regard to education and schools, was read. Another Bible Meeting was held at eight o'clock p. M., at which a constitution was adopted, and an association regularly organized. More than one hundred dollars was subscribed. 3d. — First-day. — Large Meetings for "Worship were held in both rooms of the fine appropriate meeting-house on Twentieth street, where the Yearly Meeting is held, at half past ten o'clock a. M. The meetings in the main room, and that in the basement were esteemed very favored meetings. Then again at three o'clock p. 51. two other like meetings were held ; good meetings also. This meeting-house is the best, everything considered, in my opinion, belonging to Friends, on this continent. We had tea at William Cromwell's. A Youth's Meeting was appointed by Lindley M. Hoag and others, and held at eight o'clock p. M., which we did not attend — rest appearing to us indispensable — but it was reported to be very large, attended with edifying interest. 4th. — We had a heart-comforting Meeting of Ministers and El- ders at eight o'clock A. M. — a time of real fellowship. Two sittings of the Yearly Meeting were held to-day (at ten and four o'clock), in which the consideration of the state of Soci- ety occupied the time. We dined to-day at William Underbill's, son of our friend Phebe G. Underhill. 5th. — The Yearly Meeting of Ministers and Elders convened at eight o'clock A. M., and held a pleasant closing session. The Yearly Meeting met at eleven A. St., and again at four o'clock p. m. The reports of the boarding-schools at Union Springs and Nine Partners were read to-day, and were interesting. I860.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 201 We dined with William F. Mott, jr., and had tea at Doctor Tho- mas Cock's. 6th. — We took breakfast this morning with our beloved friend Paulina Sands, widow of the late David Sands, a very dear friend to whom we were heartily attached. We were made glad by the arrival in this city of our dear child- ren Eli and Mary C. Johnson, from the South. Eli looks thin, but is somewhat improved. A large and good Meeting for Worship was held at half past ten o'clock A. M. After meeting, we dined at William R. Thurston's, 129 East Fifteenth street. The Yearly Meeting convened at four o'clock p. M., and held its closing session. Friends parted in a united and thankful manner, after seven o'clock p. M. We went to Edward Marshall's to tea. 7th. — In company with Henry Dickinson, I called at the office of the American Bible Union, at 350 Broom street, and had a short but interesting- conversation with one of the secretaries and Doctor Conant, who were very kind and respectful; then went to the book- store of S. S. and William Wood; from this to the Custom-house (after a call on Marshall, Dickinson & Co.), and a little through that part of the city; then I returned to Henry Dickinson's. The decease of our beloved friend John Meader, at Providence R. I., at one o'clock this morning, was announced to-day. This an- nouncement, although not surprising, as his health had, for some time, been so low that death was looked for, yet it brought home to the minds of his friends a solemn feeling of sorrow for their great loss on the removal of this dear brother. He has been long an able and gifted laborer in the church, and was, as we confidently believe, a man of sound Christian faith and integrity, and we un- derstand came to his end in full resignation and peace. He preserves in his autobiography the succeeding obitu- ary notice of his honored friend, taken from a daily paper : " Death of John Meader. — The death of this venerable and highly esteemed Minister of the Society of Friends-— for some time expected — 14 202 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1860 occurred thi3 morning at one o'clock, at his "residence in North Court street, in the sixty-fourth year of his age. The tidings will carry sor- row into a large circle of denominational and personal friends, and will cast a shade of solemnity upon the approaching gathering of his life- long associates in the New England Yearly Meeting. Friend Meader, was, we believe, a native of Sandwich, New Hampshire, where he spent the early portion of his life. He afterward resided for a season in Maine, and for the last quarter of a century has been one of our most honored and respected citizens. His death removes another of the up- right Quakers of the olden time, whose firm devotion to the principles of George Fox, affords landmarks to determine the position the Society once occupied, in contrast with the conforming tendency so prevalent at the present day." We proceed with the narrative under the same date. In the afternoon, at four o'clock p. m., I attended a Monthly Meeting of the Managers of the American Bible Society at the Bible-house, Astor Place, and was interested in their proceedings. I had a few days before, in company with Eli Jones, visited the estab- lishment, and been kindly shown through the various offices. The officers are aware that I favor their cause, and treat me with a marked respect. I regretted not meeting the venerable Doctor Cock here, as I had expected, he being an old member, and a vete- ran in the cause. Our children Eli and Mary C. Johnson came to Henry Dickin- son's to tea, where we had an interesting company of young people, and passed a very pleasant evening with them. Mary Pinkham from Ohio, and Julia Ann McCool from Iowa, accompanied by her husband Thomas McCool, having arrived in the city about the close of the Yearly Meeting, are on their way to New England on a religious visit. 8th. — Sixth-day. — Charles and^ Rhoda arrived in this city, and arrangements were made for going forward to Newport this evening. Accordingly, a considerable number of us went to the boat, to start at five o'clock p. m. Our dear friends Eli and Sybil Jones, and their daughter Sybil Narcissa, had made their home with us at Henry Dickinson's during the Yearly Meeting. We had an agree- able passage across the sound, and arrived at Newport about three o'clock a. M. of the 9th ; and my wife and I, and Thomas Frazier, I860.] LIFE OP ELIJAH COFFIN. 203 Samuel Lloyd and Asa Williams went, by previous engagement, to Stephen Chase's, on Spring street, where we made our home during the Yearly Meeting. Attended the Yearly Meeting of Ministers and Elders at nine o'clock A. m. ; sixty-eight men and sixty-two women present. The funeral of our dear friend John Header being appointed at twelve o'clock M,, at Providence, the Providence Friends remained to attend it, and then came on to the afternoon sitting, which was held at four o'clock. A session of the Meeting for Sufferings was held at six o'clock P. M. 10th. — First-day. — The wind blew strong, and the day was really cool. The Yearly Meeting for Worship was held at ten o'clock A. M., and was a large and interesting meeting. We went to David Buffum's to dinner ; and Thomas Buffum kindly went with me to Portsmouth, to the afternoon Yearly Meeting at that place, at four o'clock. The house was well filled, and we had a good meeting ; then returned to David Buffum's to tea ; then to Newport. 11th. — Second-day. — The Yearly Meeting was opened at nine o'clock A. M.; about two hundred and seventy-five men present. Adjourned soon after twelve o'clock, and met again at four o'clock P. M. After meeting I went to the Redwood Library, which is a very interesting establishment ; then, in the evening, attended the Alumni Association, at half-past seven o'clock, at the Aquidnuck Hall. The room was well filled, and an oration and a poem were delivered. 12th. — A session of the Yearly Meeting was held at ten o'clock A. m. ; after which we dined at George Bowen's ; then attended a meeting of the education committee at half-past two o'clock ; then another session of the Yearly Meeting ; and finally, at half-past seven o'clock p. m., a Bible Meeting was held, mainly, I believe, at my suggestion. About three hundred Friends, male and female, were in attendance, and we had an interesting and satisfactory meeting ; but not having time to organize into an association, it was agreed to meet again for that object the next evening. 13th. — Fourth-day. — The Yearly Meeting of Ministers and Elders convened at eight o'clock A. M., and held a solemn meeting. A communication from our late dear friend John Header was read 204 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1860. and approved ; and his virtues and value as a Christian minister were dwelt upon at considerable length. Two sessions of the Yearly Meeting were held to-day, at ten and at four o'clock. We dined at Mary Williams'. The education committee met at half-past seven o'clock p. m. ; and after dwelling for an hour or more on the subject of First-day schools for Scriptural instruction, during which many remarks were made, the committee closed, and the meeting was merged into a Bible Meeting, the main object being to accomplish an organiza- tion. A constitution which had been prepared was read and adopted ; then subscriptions of membership were received ; and then officers were appointed. Much lively feeling was manifested on this occasion ; over one hundred Friends gave in their names as members. 14th. — A closing session of the Yearly Meeting of Ministers and Elders was held at eight o'clock p. M. The Yearly Meeting met at half-past ten, and again at four o'clock, and held until about seven ; then came to a conclusion. It was generally esteemed to have been a pleasant favored meet- ing, I believe. Our friends, Thomas Frazier, Lindley M. Hoag, Samuel Lloyd, Jeremiah A. Grinnell, Joseph Haviland, Edith Griffith, Huldah Atwater, Mary Pinkham, Hannah S. Fry, and Julia Ann McCool, ministers from other parts, were in attendance, with certificates or minutes. 15th. — We left Newport at half-past five o'clock for New Bed- ford, calling on the way at our friend Ellis Gifford's, at Fall River, for breakfast. We came to New Bedford at half-past one o'clock p. M., and found a cordial reception at our beloved friend Susan Howland's. Charles Howland, and Gulielma his wife, of Wil- mington, were also there. We drank tea at Edward and Gulielma Howland's ; our children, Charles, Rhoda, Eli and Mary, were also present. Had much interesting conversation with Edward and Gulielma, in regard to a journey to Egypt and Palestine, which they had lately performed. 16th. — We had an interesting ride around "The Point'' with Charles and Rachel Howland, and through part of New Bedford. The weather is delightful. We went to Matthew and Rachel How- land's to tea — Lindley M. Hoag also there — and passed a pleasant evening. I860.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 205 17th. — First-day. — To meeting at New Bedford at half-past ten o'clock A. m. After dinner, at two o'clock, we attended the First- day school ; Henry T. Wood, superintendent. Then attended the afternoon meeting at four o'clock. After tea, we went, Susan and Kaehel Howland with us, to a Mission Sabbath School Meeting, intended for sailors, for the poor, and such as seldom go to any meeting. There were about one hundred and fifty present — a re- markable mixture of colors, nations, children, and mature people. They behaved orderly B and attentively, while we read Scripture and addressed them. The title of the association is " The Ladies 7 City Tract and Missionary Society." The conductor of the meeting is T. R. Dennison, assisted by his amiable daughter. We feel much sympathy with them, and believe there is ground of hope for much good through their labors. Lindley M. Hoag had an appointed meeting at Friends' meeting house, for the youth, at the same hour, which we understood was a good meeting. 18th. — We left New Bedford for Nantucket, and passing Sand- wich and other towns, we embarked by steamboat at Hyannis, and came to the island at half-past one o'clock, and were kindly taken in by our friends Thomas and Christina Macy. Our friends, Samuel Lloyd, Asa Hunt, Hannah S. Fry, Lindley M. Ferris, and Mary his wife, were in company. Mary Pinkham had gone before us to the island. 19th. — This forenoon we had a pleasant and interesting ride with our friends Lindley and Mary Ferris to Seasconset, a fishing village, on the east end of the island, eight miles from the city. After a short stay here, we returned by the new lighthouse at Sesachachy, which we ascended, and had the examination of the splendid lantern and its machinery. I visited one of the public schools in the afternoon, of about one hundred and seventy students, which appeared to be well conducted. Samuel Lloyd and Hannah S. Fry had an appointed meeting, at Friends' meeting-house, at half-past six o'clock p.m.; thirty men and forty women attended. The small number was cause of dis- couragement ; but the meeting was a pleasant one. 20th. — I passed much of the forenoon with Eliza Barney, afford- ing her some assistance in compiling a genealogical catalogue of 206 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1860. the early white settlers on Nantucket,"and their descendents. Then we visited the Coffin School, a well-regulated institution, of about sixty students ; then returned to Nathaniel and Eliza Barney's to dinner. After dinner, we made calls at some shops ; obtained a few shells ; called at our friend George Easton's ; and then went to tea with our friend William Mitchell and family, where we had a further acquaintance with his daughter Maria, the astronomer. Samuel Lloyd and Hannah S. Fry had an appointed meeting, at the Baptist meeting-house, at half-past seven o'clock p. m. ; about seventy-five to eighty present ; a good meeting. 21st. — Fifth-day. — Our friends went to the boat and left the island this morning. We attended the regular meeting of Friends at ten o'clock, being also Preparative Meeting ; ten men and nine women present. We could but feel the great falling off in the number of our Society in Nantucket. In the afternoon we visited several aged friends : Rachel Swain, aged eighty-seven ; Eunice Fitch, eighty-five ; Cromwell Barnard, ninety-one ; and Peter Paddack, eighty-five; also Matthew Barney, and Sally his wife. 22d. — We left Nantucket at forty-five minutes past six o'clock, for Hyannis, where we were joined on the cars by several friends. We passed Boston at thirty minutes past twelve o'clock, and arrived at Lynn at thirty minutes past three o'clock P. M., and made our home with our esteemed young friends Charles F. Cofiin and Maria his wife. Toward evening we had a delightful ride with them to Marblehead, etc., and in the evening received calls from several dear friends, Samuel Boyce, Micajah Pratt, and others. 23d. — I went to Cambridge, via Boston, on a visit to my young friend Joseph Moore, and to see the place, the Harvard University buildings, etc. He is now a student, and gave me a cordial recep- tion ; then showed me around, much to my entertainment. I re- turned in the afternoon, and after making a call on our aged friend Avis Keene, we went to Micajah Pratt's to tea, where we passed an agreeable evening with many friends. 24th.— First- day .—To meeting at ten o'clock A. M. After meet- ing to Samuel Boyce's to dinner. Then Charles F. Cofl&n kindly took me to Salem, to the afternoon meeting. We returned to Nathan Breed's to tea, and had a large company of forty friends^ whom I addressed on the supply and circulation of the Holy Scrip- 1860. ] LIFE OP ELIJAH COFFIN. 207 tures. My remarks appeared to be well received, and were very kindly responded to by several. In the morning of the 25th, we left Lynn at eight o'clock A. M., for Vassalborough, Maine, and passing Salem, Portsmouth, Portland, Augusta, and many other towns, we arrived at Vassalborough at five o'clock p. m., and were kindly received by our friends John D. and Almira Lang. In the evening I made a short visit to Oakgrove School, which is superintended by our friend James Van Blarcom, and taught by Albert K. Smiley. Next day, the 26th, being Monthly Meeting at China Neck, John D. Lang and Almira his wife, kindly took us in their carriage, and we went together to the meeting. Here we met with our friends James Jones, Eli Jones, and others, and were much interested in attending the meeting. Keturning in the evening, we visited the students and officers of the Oakgrove School. There are about thirty-five boarders, and twenty-five day scholars from the neigh- borhood. I have no doubt of the valuable influence of the insti- tution. :: 27th. — "We left Vassalborough this morning, intending to return home pretty directly, making calls on the way aj; Union Springs, New York and Cincinnati. Proceeded by railway to Boston, on the same road on which we came out. Next day, the 28th, we went to Albany, and on the 29th, from Albany to Union Springs. "We were welcomed to a pleasant home by our friends Bobert B. and Susanna Howland. On the 30th, we rested, and I visited the village, How- land's flouring and gypsum mills, and his gypsum quarry, which interested me. There is a fine and beautiful country here about this pretty Cayuga Lake. Seventh-month 1, 1860. — First-day. — To meeting at eleven o'clock. The meeting is small, but was to-day a pleasant time. We dined with our friend Wm. Henry Chase, and Elizabeth, his wife, and their interesting family. At three o'clock p. m., we attended the Scriptural school at the Seminary which was interesting and satis? factory. Then at four o'clock P. m., went with our friend Susanna Howland, to hear her infant class at the meeting-house. We went to tea to our friend John J. Thomas', and Mary, his wife, and after- ward to the evening reading at the Seminary, and then to R. B, Howland's to lodge. 2d. — We returned to the Union Springs Seminary at eight o'clock 208 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1860. A. m., and heard several recitations. Then back to R. B. H's, to dinner ; and after dinner, we set off with him to the Cayuga Bridge, at which place we took the cars. Passed Geneva, Skenectady, Batavia and Rochester, to Buffalo, and thence by night train on the Lake Shore, to Cleveland. We breakfasted at Cleveland, on the 3d, and proceeding, dined at Columbus, at twelve o'clock, and ar- rived at Cincinnati at about five o'clock p. m., where we had again the pleasure of meeting with our dear children. Resting at Cincinnati on the 4th, we went homeward next morn- ing, and arrived, heartily grateful for the many favors which we had enjoyed, at our own sweet home on Fifth-day, the 5th, at nine o'clock A. M. The next two days I was doing some correspondence, attending to business of the Bible Association, and endeavoring to get some rest. 9th. — First-day. — To Scripture school at nine o'clock; eighty- seven present. Then after meeting, to the school at Sevastopol. During the next week, I was about home attending to various concerns ; mainly at work on the " Scripture Exercises," on Kings, Chronicles, and the Prophets. Visited the Earlham College. 16th. — Studiously engaged at the " Exercises." 17th. — Jeremiah A. Grinnell and Wm. E. Morris came in, on their return from their eastern journey. 18th. — Eclipse of the sun at thirty minutes past seven o'clock A. m. ; visible ; the sun half covered. From this time until the 29th, I was much engaged on the " Ex- ercises." 20th. — A great meteor passed over Canada and the United States from W. N. W. to E. S. E. 30th. — To the Central Book and Tract Committee, at eleven o'clock A. m., and the Executive Committee of the Bible Associa- tion in the afternoon. Ei.glitli-month 4. — The second meeting of the Whitewater branch of the general committee on schools for Scriptural instruction, was held at Bethel to-day, at ten o'clock A. m. ; about sixty present, and an interesting meeting. The examination at Earlham College, took place on the 6th and 7th, and the closing exercises on the 8th. I left home on the morning of the 8th, on a journey to Iowa, I860.] LIFE OP ELIJAH COFFIN. 209 with a committee appointed by our Yearly Meeting, on the request of the Friends of that State, for the establishment of a new Yearly Meeting. Proceeded by Indianapolis, Lafayette, and Michigan City, to Chicago. Next day, the 9th, to Davenport. On the 10th, to West Liberty, in the morning ; and thence to Red Cedar, with our friend Greenberry P. Wood, who came to the station for us. We attended the Quarterly Meeting of Ministers and Elders, at two o'clock P. m. ; twelve men and sixteen women present. A pleasant meeting. At seven o'clock P. m., the branch committee on First-day schools met. 11th. — Seventh-day. — Red Cedar Quarterly Meeting convened at eleven o'clock a. m. Twelve of the Yearly Meeting's committee were in attendance, viz.: Joseph Cox, Daniel Williams, Elijah Coffin, George Evans, Isaac Jay, Micajah C. Binford, John Hadley, jr., Thomas Bond, Jane Johnson, Abigail Morris, Elizabeth Cox, and Lydia B. Macy. About two hundred men, and two hundred women present. The meeting sat long, and it was a good time. The members appeared to be entirely united in the desire for the establishment of a Yearly Meeting in Iowa. Meeting rose about five o'clock. A Bible Meeting was held at seven o'clock p. m.; about two hun- dred present, and a lively time. The subject of Scripture distribu- tion and Scripture reading was pretty thoroughly stirred up, and much good feeling for the work was manifested. 12th. — I attended the First-day school at Red Cedar, at nine o'clock A. m. Laura Tatum, superintendent ; sixty-three students present. A good school. Meeting for Worship at eleven o'clock A. m., largely attended. Our friend Amelia Darlington is quite ill at Greenberry Wood's. She was not able to attend meeting either yesterday or to-day. I went to Thomas and Arabella Winn's to dinner. Jeremiah A. Grinnell, who was formerly a member of this meet- ing, was in attendance at the Quarterly Meeting ; and held an ap- pointed meeting for the youth, at three o'clock p. m. to-day. I did not attend, as I was feeble. Our friend Joel Bean laid before the Quarterly Meeting yester- day, a prospect of a religious visit to the Sandwich Islands. It was a weighty subject, and received a sympathetic response in its favor from the meeting. 210 LIFE OP ELIJAH COFFIN. [1860. We called a few minutes at Westbranch, at Joel Bean's, to see Joel and his wife, an amiable couple, on our way to Phinehas Cowgill's, where we staid. 13th. — When I left home on the 8th, the weather was extremely hot, but a change commenced on the evening of the 9th, and this morning we have a little frost. The crops of wheat and oats have been harvested, and mostly stored away, and are considered un- usually good. The fields of corn on the wayside, from home to Chicago, and from Chicago to Rock Island are exceeding rich and beautiful, with very little exception, and will yield largely no doubt. The same may be said of the fields in Iowa, so far. The grass lands also produced good crops of hay. For two years before this, there has been great failure of crops in Iowa, so much so, that scarcity existed in some places, and the people were a good deal discouraged. But now the prospect is so cheering that a spirit of hopefulness and encouragement prevails. May the good Giver be remembered for honor in the time of prosperity ! Further to the south, drought is reported to prevail to a distressing extent. We hear this from southern Kentucky, Tennessee, Texas and Kansas ; and there is no doubt that the south pretty generally feel it more or less. In all the north the crops are generally good. We went west nine miles to Iowa City — and after a short call here proceeded, still westward, up the Iowa River. The railway from Iowa City toward Des Moines is about finished a few miles westward from Iowa City, and they are progressing with the work. The country upon our route does not appear to me to be equal to Cedar county, yet there is much good land. We traveled in the day about 45 miles, and staid at a village called Acosta. 14th. — We were off early, and had rain about the time of start- ing and during most of the forenoon, and it was also quite cool and chilly. I looked upon the country along our route, still less de- sirable than that we passed through yesterday, but as we ap- proached La Grand, in Marshall county, there was a decided im- provement — about this place, the country is beautiful. We staid at Marshalltown, the county seat, at the house of William Batten, who is judge of the court, who with Elizabeth his wife, took us in and treated us with much kindness. 15th. — We left Marshalltown early, and proceeded by way of I860.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 211 Marietta, through a fine country to Bangor, to the Meeting for Worship at 11 o'clock A. ME. We called for a few minutes at David S. Macy's, before meeting. Friends have a new unfinished frame meeting house, , and there was an attendance to-day of about five hundred persons, male and female. We had a good meeting, and afterward dined at James Owen's — then returned to the Quar- terly Meeting of Ministers and Elders at four o clock P. M. This was attended by nineteen men and twelve women, beside our com- mittee, and was an agreeable meeting. A seven o'clock a. m. a Bible Meeting was held, which was nu- merously attended — the work received a lively impulse, and much good spirit prevailed. Steps were taken here, as at Red Cedar, to do some work in the way of canvassing for the supply of the des- titute. We staid at James Owen's. 16th. — Fifth-day. — The First-day School Committee convened at half past eight o'clock A. iff.; the Education Committee at nine o'clock; and the Book and Tract Committee at half past nine A. M. These committees were all interesting. At eleven o'clock A. M., Bangor Quarterly Meeting convened — four hundred and fifty to five hundred in attendance. There was much business and the meeting held long. Our friends David Hunt, James Owen and Eli Jessup were liberated by certificates for religious service abroad. The Yearly Meeting's committee had a pleasant interview, and the meeting closed solemnly and in much good feeling. After dining at James Owen's, we went near night to Ann Haley's and staid. 17th. — We left early for South River Quarterly Meeting, pursu- ing a course a little to the west of south. We were soon in a prairie of about thirteen miles across, and after this came to a village called Iowa Center where we dined, and then proceeded on our way, and came to Skunk River in about twelve miles more ; then down that river to Ishmael Lee's, where we staid. We were very tired, having traveled over forty miles, and the county^through which we passed was not so interesting as some other parts we had seen. Eighth-month 18. — We were on the road early, and after traveling through a settled country (crossing the Des Moines river, at Adelphi) we stopped at Charles Hinshaw's to dinner. Then proceeded to 212 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1860. South River to the Quarterly Meeting of Ministers and Elders, at four P. m. This was attended by nine men and seven women, beside the committee, twenty-eight in all. After meeting we went to Jesse Blair's and staid. 19th. — First-day. — The First-day school committee convened at nine A. m. ; then at eleven o'clock the public Meeting for Worship convened; about five hundred persons in attendance. Daniel Wil- liams and Isaac Jay spoke at some length, and acceptably, I be- lieve. At four p. m. a Bible Meeting was held, about three hun- dred being present. Remarks were made on the design and object of Bible Associations, and in the state of the supply of the Holy Scriptures in this and other countries, and other branches of the subject at some length, after which an organization was formed aux- iliary to the Indiana Association. I went to John Tomlinson's and staid. 20th.— The Education Committee convened at nine A. ml, ; then at eleven o'clock, South River Quarterly Meeting met, about five hundred being in attendance ; part of the number outside the house, as the house could not hold that number, being 48 by 36. The at- tention of the meeting was called to our concern, and a general expression of unity with the request followed. Our friend Rho- dema Newlin, obtained the approbation of the meeting for religious service abroad. After meeting, which closed satisfactorily, we dined at Jesse Blair's, then left at six o'clock, on our way to Pleasant Plain Quarterly, and proceeded nine miles and staid. Our course was nearly east. We proceeded eastward, in the direction of Oscaloosa, early, twelve miles, and crossed the Des Moines river at a ford. It is a beautiful stream here as it was at Adelphi. Thence nine miles to Pella, a town settled in an excellent region of country, chiefly by emigrants from Holland. It is a well looking and improving town, of about two thousand five hundred inhabitants. We dined at a tavern in town, at noon ; and after an hour's rest, proceeded toward Oscaloosa, and -staid in the neighborhood of Spring Creek, at William Fry's. Here we became acquainted with Benjamin Fry, William's father, an aged minister, who is now too feeble with age and infirmity to attend meetings. He appeared lively and good spirited, and delighted to discourse on religious subjects. Eighth-month 22.— We went to JSpring Creek meeting house I860.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 213 early, in order to attend a Bible Meeting, at nine o'clock. It was adjourned, after doing some business, until half past six, P. M. At eleven the Meeting for Worship convened; about four hundred present. Our friend, Amelia Darlington, -whom we left sick at Red Cedar, died to-day, — the news of her decease came to us at Salem. At four P. M. the Quarterly Meeting of Ministers and Elders met at this place. Eleven men and eleven women and the commit- tee present. The Bible Meeting was held in the evening, and was pretty well attended, and a satisfactory meeting. We staid at Benjamin Hol- lingsworth's. 23d. — Fifth-day. — Pleasant Plain Quarterly Meeting was held at Spring Creek to-day, — about four hundred and twenty present. The meeting was satisfactory. They appeared to be well united in their request for a Yearly Meeting. A new and good looking building, 38 by 52 feet, has just been erected at Spring Creek, for the purpose of a boarding-school. The house is nearly ready for the reception of officers and stu- dents ; and the Quarterly Meeting, in whose care it is to be oon- ducted, adopted regulations, and appointed a committee for the management of the school. We dined at Benjamin Hollingsworth's, and afterward, George Evans and I went to Daniel Presnall's and staid. 24th. — We parted last evening with our young friend, Dillworth Schooley, who had kindly brought us thus far from Bed Cedar, and now Daniel Presnali takes us in his carriage to Ottumwa. We set off early from his house and went to Oscaloosa to meet with the rest of our company, then proceeded forward to Ottumwa, about twenty-five miles. We called here for dinner, and I went for a few minutes, to see our young friends Benjamin Ladd and wife. We took the cars and went forward by railway to Mount Pleasant, forty five miles, first parting with our friends who brought us from the neighborhood of Oscaloosa. We took tea with Francis White and wife, and then went on with our friend Willet Dorland to his house in Salem, where we staid. Eighth-month 25.— Seventh-day. — I was not well last night, and kept pretty quiet this forenoon, and wrote one or two letters. Salem 214 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1860. Quarterly Meeting of Ministers and Elders was held at four p. m. — attended by eleven men and ten women and the committee. p 27th. — First-day. — I attended the First day-school at nine A. m., which was satisfactory. Then the Meeting for Worship at eleven, four hundred and fifty to five hundred present. After meeting, we dined at Joel Hiatt's, then attended a Bible Meeting at half-past three P. u., about one hundred present. An association, auxiliary to the Indiana Bible Association was organized. Took tea at Allen Hiatt's. 27th. — Attended the First-day School Committee, at nine A. m.; then, at eleven o'clock, Salem Quarterly Meeting convened : about four hundred present. The request for a Yearly Meeting was con- sidered at the proposal of our committee, and united with, generally, without dissent. There was much business, but it was nearly gone through at three p. m., and as I wished to arrive at home next day, I left at that hour, Isaac Jay with me, and we were kindly taken by Willet Dorland to Mount Pleasant, where we entered the cars going east. We crossed the Mississippi at Burlington about dark, and at eight p. M. proceeded eastward through Illinois, passing G-alesburgh and Peoria, and continuing through the night, we came to Logans- port, about nine A. M., on the twenty-eighth, and I was enabled to reach home at about three p. m. and embrace my dear wife and family, truly glad and thankful for the protecting care and kindness of the high and Holy One, from whom everything good comes, during this long and interesting journey. It has been cheerful to observe in this long journey, first from home to Chicago, then from thence across the State of Illinois to Rock Island, and upon the whole route through Iowa, and then upon the route homeward, through Illinois on another line, that the crops have been everywhere good. The settlers feel, of course, encouragement, and many of them do, no doubt, feel grateful ; for in Iowa, especially, for two years before this, there was a pretty general failure of crops ; and this year, further to the south, the crops are cut short by drought. It is God who causes the sun to shine and the rain to descend, and it appears wholly appropriate to bear reverently in remembrance that it is to Him we owe every thing which sustains our life, contributes to our comfort or rational joy, and promotes our real happiness. Eighth-month 29. — Fourth-day. — The marriage of Sarah Sylvania I860.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 215 Rambo with Benjamin F. Maxwell took place to-day, and was ac- complished in an exemplary and satisfactory manner. We may hope that a blessing is in store for these young people, who are just setting out to themselves on the great journey of life. Our friend, Eli Jessup, of Iowa, now in these parts on a religious visit, attended the meeting to-day and had some acceptable service near the close. 31st. — We went to our Quarterly Meeting of Ministers and Eld- ers as usual, and had satisfactory meetings to-day, and one, also, on Seventh-day, Ninth-month 1, at the Quarterly Meeting. Our friends Eli Jessup, Nereus Mendenhall and Charles Starbuck, of North Carolina, being present. Ninth-month 2. — First-day. — One hundred and four students at First-day Scriptural school this morning. An interesting meeting in the evening of the Association of Teachers and others engaged in the school. 7-9th. — We attended Spiceland Quarterly Meeting — a pleasant meeting. About six hundred friends present on Seventh-day. Eli Jessup and Francis W. Thomas in attendance. We had a pleasant visit with our relatives. Funeral of Mary B. Griffin, daughter of Joseph Griffin, on First-day afternoon. Ninth-month 11. — Death of Jemima Burson, at nine A. m. Phebe Ann Sands and companions came in the evening, on their way to Western Yearly Meeting. 12th. — Death of Micajah Morgan. Phebe Ann Sands attended our meeting. 13th. — John J. Thomas of Union Springs, New York, called. Lindley M. Hoag and Sybil Jones called. Death of John Maxwell, at eight P. m. 16th. — Western Yearly Meeting is held to-day. 18th. — Visited Gulielma Henly — she is so much paralyzed as to be unable to converse. 22nd. — We hear a very good account of the Western Yearly Meeting. John J. Thomas and Mary his wife, came in and staid over the First-day with us — pleasantly. 26 th. — Our son, William H. Coffin, arrived from Kansas this morning. We were extremely glad to see him. Monthly Meeting to-day. _ 216 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1860. 29th. — Our daughter, Caroline E. Ladd, arrived. It was joyful to meet her. 30th. — First-day. — Joseph Brown, of Canada, was at meeting. Tenth-month 1. — Our children Eli, Mary and Hannah Amelia, oame to-day. We are made very happy by their coming. 2d.— Third-clay. — The Yearly Meeting of Ministers and Elders was held at ten A. m., and the Meeting for Sufferings at three P. m. ; both good meetings.. 3d. — Fourth-day. — Yearly Meeting for Worship, at eleven a. m.; house nearly filled, say about one thousand eight hundred present. A very good meeting, being largely blessed with the visitation of the Holy Spirit. Lively ministry by Rebecca Updegraff and Da- vid H. Bennett. The Indian Committee at three p. m. The concern does not ap- pear to have all that prosperity and success which could be desired. The Central Book and Tract Committee at six p. m. — an inter- esting meeting; some eight or nine hundred present. Tenth-month 4. — Fifth-day. — Indiana Yearly Meeting convened to-day, at eleven A. M. In the morning at half past eight o'clock, a committee convened, who had been appointed by our last Yearly Meeting to prepare a document on the First-day of the week. The preparation of this document had cost much thought and labor du- ring the year, and an essay being now produced and read, was adopted and carried forward, and on being read afterward in the Yearly Meeting, it received the approbation and unity of the meet- ing and was directed to be published. The meeting to-day was large, probably two thousand Friends in attendance, and the business was transacted, and put in course for transaction, in a satisfactory manner. The African Committee met at four o'clock, and the Education Committee at six, the latter, in particular, turned out to be a good time. 5th. — The Yearly Meeting, to-day, was engaged in considering the state of Society, and after that, other interesting business — a favored and satisfactory sitting. The Indiana Bible Association of Friends held its Annual Meeting, at six p. m. More than one thou- sandpersons, probably, were there, and the occasion was one of gen- eral interest. 6th. — Another session of the Meeting of Ministers and Elders was held, at eight A. M., then the Yearly Meeting, at ten o'clock I860.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 217 Another satisfactory day. The General Committee on First-day Scriptural Schools was held at four p. m., and was a time of interest. Then followed, at six o'clock, a meeting of the Young People's Lite- rary Association, formed, mainly, by the students and others con- nected with Earlham College. 7th. — First-day. — The day was rainy and unfavorable, so that the attendance was not so multitudinous as at some previous times. Two large solemn meetings were held, one at ten A. m., and the other at three p. m., as usual. Then at seven p. m., a Meeting for "Worship was held by and for the youth, at their proposal, with the approbation of the Yearly Meeting. The lower floor of the large meeting-house was closely filled, and some went into the gallery besides ; the number was, probably, not less than two thousand. It was a remarkable time of prayer ; prayer aad other devotional exercises continued, with very little intermission, untiltwelve o'clock, or five hours. The meeting was very solemn; a large number of- fered prayer who had not before done so in a public manner, and a confident hope is entertained that many were stirred up to a more earnest consideration of the things appertaining to everlasting life. " Bless the Lord, my soul ! and all that is within me, bless his holy Name ! " was the overflowing exercise of many hearts. The Lord was pleased in his goodness to be there, and this memorable time can not be soon forgotten. Tenth-month 9, 10. — Two more interesting days of business closed the proceedings of the Yearly Meeting, and friends parted in much love and thankfulness. Joseph Brown, of Canada, David H. Ben- nett, of New York, Sybil Jones, of Maine, Rebecca Updegraff, of Ohio, Phebe Ann Sands and Beersheba Herendeen, of the State of New York, and Hannah Tatum, of Indianapolis, were in attendance with certificates. Our very dear children all left, during the week, for their respec- tive homes. We had a solemn family meeting together in our par- lor, on the evening of the ninth — a time of much prayer. The granting of the request of our friends in Iowa, for the setting up of a new Yearly Meeting at, or near, Oscaloosa, in that State, was perhaps one of the most important matters, if not entirely the most so, of any other which was united with and settled by our Yearly Meeting this year, so far as the judgment of that meeting 15 218 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1860. could settle it. It is to be opened in 1864, if other Yearly Meetings concur. The adoption, with apparent unity, of the document on the Obser- vance of the First-day of the week, was also a proceeding of import- ance, as it was the expression of the Society on a subject which has received much thought and exercise of mind, in various parts, for a considerable time, and because the issue of this document may be looked upon as settling the question on that subject: and it is hoped it may have a salutary influence over the morals and practice of many. Tenth-month 12. — White frost this morning, the first of much effect. William H. Ladd, left us for Cincinnati. Caroline goes to- morrow. 14th. — First-day. — Sybil Jones at meeting. Then at four p. m. she had an appointed youth's meeting. The First-day Scriptural school was -resumed this morning. In the evening many young persons convened at Charles F. Cof- fin's. Sybil Jones present, and a solemn time of worship and prayer was had. The meeting mentioned in the above extract from the journal, was continued to be held at the house of his son as a weekly evening meeting, to which frequent allusion is made by E. C. in subsequent parts of his diary as "the fam- ily meeting at C. F. C's." Many friends, and more especi- ally those in the younger walks of life, regularly attended them. Tenth-month 17. — The winter session of Earlham College was opened. Igth. — James Owen was here. Had a satisfactory appointed meeting for the youth at ten o'clock. 19th. — To Earlham College, a visit to the students. 21st. — To Scriptural school this morning; sixty present. 24th. — Monthly Meeting. A minute was granted my wife, to at- tend the Yearly Meeting in North Carolina, and visit a few meetings and some families in its limits ; also one to me as her companion. Our daughter Miriam, also, goes with us. I also go as a deputation from our Yearly Meeting to theirs, to examine more fully into the embarrassing debt of their boarding-school. 1860.1 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 219 We left home on the twenty-fifth, and proceeded by the way of Dayton, Columbus, Wheeling, and on the Baltimore and Ohio Rail- way to the Relay House, and thence via Washington, Fredericks- burgh, Richmond, Petersburgh, Weldon, and Raleigh to Greens- borough, where we arrived on Seventh-day evening, the twenty- seventh. 28th. — First-day. — We went to New Garden, to meeting, this morning : twenty-one males, thirteen females present. After meeting, to the boarding-school to dinner ; then, in the even- ing, to my brother Elisha Coffin's. 29th. — We visited the house and farm where we 1 first settled after marriage, in 1820. The place has been much neglected, and now appears in a very unimproved condition. We called at our cousin Samuel D. Coffin's, while the sale of his personal property was in progress. Very rainy. 30th. — Visited the place formerly occupied by our father, Ben- ajah Hiatt. Then to David Mace's, and had a religious interview with his family, he being quite ill. Then to Sarah Hoskin's, where we dined. Then returned to the main road and went nearly to the ancient, but now deserted village of Martinsville, crossing over the ground of the battle of Guilford, which occurred in 1781. Called at Ellis Hoskin's on our return to my brother's. 81st. — Fourth-day. — Attended New Garden Monthly Meeting, after first visiting Phebe Cook and her family, who reside at the place formerly occupied by my father, and where I was brought up after the age of thirteen to twenty-one. It was interesting to us to see the old places, and recall the scenes of our youth once more. Neither time nor circumstances had ever dissolved the attachments that E. C. had for the place of his birth ; with mingled sensations of pleasure and sadness, he once more visited, in company with his wife^ and daughter, M. A. R., the scenes of his youthful days. It was an event of solemn and melancholy interest to them. Nearly forty years had elapsed since they left that country, and they had returned but once during that time. At the time of their removal, the Quarterly Meeting was large and many valuable ministers belonged to it — now it was very small 220 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1860. and the few who were left were discouraged, and many of them were anxious to leave. The homes of their nativity — the scenes of their childhood were again visited, but how changed ! The soil had become impoverished, and the country, generally, from being pleasant and desirable, had become desolate and lonely. The tender emotions of the heart of Elijah Coffin were easily vibrated, as he recalled the scenes through which he had passed during his earlier years and which now so sadly bore the marks of time. In allusion to this visit a friend writes : " We had some interesting walks, too, around the meeting-house groued where his youth was spent and his first labors in the Church were entered upon ; on one of these occasions, I remarked, that he seemed to be sent back at an eventful day to resume his position, as though the link had never been broken ; he pressed my hand with his usual affection, while tears fell silently from him. n His narrative continues : The Monthly Meeting was small, only twenty males and thirteen females, young and old, present; very few of whom were active members. In the afternoon, we visited our aged friend Sarah Stan- ley; Betsie Porter and Millie Wedows being, also, present. Then went to Stephen Macy's and staid. Eleventh-month 1. — From Stephen Macy's we drove up to Hope- well ; passed the meeting-house, which has been sold to the Method- ists ' T called at Albert and Betsie Bayl's. It now began to rain, rapidly : after a short stay, went to Aletha Kennedy's-, a widow ; then to Charles Kellum's and his two daughters ; then to Jesse Trueblood's and his wife Cyrene; then to see Joseph Thornburg and family, Stephen kindly accompanying us : then back to the school. 2d. — Sixth-day. — We went to Beep Biver to-day, John Bussell kindly taking us. Still raining. I attended a Meeting for Suffer- ings. The meeting was satisfactory and interesting. I presented the minute of my appointment by our Meeting for Sufferings, in re~ I860.] LIFE OP ELIJAH COFFIN. 221 gard to the debt of their boarding-school, which was read and the subject was sent forward for the attention of the Yearly Meeting. After meeting, we went to William and Penelope Gardner's, where we had a pleasant and comfortable time, with many other friends. 3d. — In the morning I walked with Miriam to Deep River meet- ing-house, to see it and the graveyard, and their school-house. Then at eleven A. m. attended the North Carolina Yearly Meeting of Min- isters and Elders, at Deep River, about forty-three men and twenty- 'five women being present; a good meeting. We dined at W. and P. Gardner's, at Florence, and then returned to the boarding-school at New Garden in the evening. 4th. — First-day. — We had a Scripture reading at nine o'clock A. m. at the school by such Friends as chose to come in. At eleven o'clock a. m. the Yearly Meeting for Worship of North Carolina convened, having about six to seven hundred persons in at- tendance. Eli Newlin, Asenath Clark and David Hunt were en- gaged in the testimony ; and Eli N., David Hunt and Naomi Coffin in prayer. A Meeting for the Youth, and others, was appointed at half past three o'clock by Sybil Jones and Samuel Lloyd. Both meetings to-day may be considered satisfactory meetings. 5th. — The Yearly Meeting for Discipline convened at eleven o'clock, and business was opened. The following Friends from ■abroad were in attendance: David Hunt, Eli Newlin, Samuel Lloyd, William G. Johnson, Asenath Clark, Sybil Jones, Eliza P. Gurney, Eliza Barclay, from England, and Naomi Coffin. The usual pre- limary business was attended to to-day, and a committee was ap- pointed to unite with and aid the deputation in their investigations about the debt of the boarding school. A session of the Meeting for Sufferings was held in the evening. 6th. — This is the day of the Presidential election. When the Yearly Meeting convened, it was unitedly agreed that in considera- tion of the great blessings of enlightened civilization and good government, under which it has been our happy privilege to live, the obligations of gratitude which we owe to the great Ruler of Nations on that account, and the great struggle now in progress in our beloved country, we should unite in solemn worship and prayer to the Almighty that he might continue his blessings and overrule, according to his will, all affairs for the good and happiness of the (nation. The men and women Friends accordingly spent about an 222 [life OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [I860* hour and a half together in solemn worship and prayer. It was indeed a very solemn time. Then proceeded with business as usual. The state of Society was taken up and considered at some length ; the proposition for a new Yearly Meeting in Iowa was considered, and united with; and other business transacted. A time of favor ? and a good meeting. By the reports, on spiritous liquors, which were read to-day, it appeared that there were one thousand three hundred and sixty- one members, over eighteen years of age, who are clear of the use of intoxicating liquors as a drink; eighty-one who use it; and seventy-one not inquired of, making, in all one thousand five hun- dred and thirteen members over eighteen years of age. If we add to this five hundred and twenty-four children under eighteen, re- ported by the Education Committee, we have the number of two thousand and thirty-seven as the total number of members of North Carolina Yearly Meeting. But several of the Quarterlies were de- ficient in reporting the number of children ; we must, therefore, add probably from two hundred to five hundred to make up this deficiency, so that the real total is probably between two thousand three hundred and two thousand four huudred. 7th. — Fourth-day. — To Meeting of Ministers and Elders at nine o'clock A. m. Forty men and twenty women present. Yearly Meeting for Worship at eleven o'clock A. m. About five hundred present. Then Meeting for Sufferings at three o'clock P. m. At six o'clock P. m. we had an interesting Bible Meeting at the school, at the close of which an association was organized. 8th. — We had an interview with the trustees of the broading- school at eight o'clock A. m. Then to the Yearly Meeting at eleven o'clock A. m. The clerk read an appropriate minute on the state of Society, which he had prepared, and then various other matters of business were transacted, among which was the receiv- ing of a report from the boarding-school trustees, giving a state- ment of the past year, and a statement of the agent for settling the large debt, showing its present condition and amount. Francis T. King and I were engaged about compiling a report to be made to our own meetings at home. In the evening we had a meeting at the school on the subject of First-day schools and Scriptural instruction. 9th. — We met the trustees again this morning, and read to them I860.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 223 an essay of our report, so that it might receive corrections or emen- dations if necessary. At eleven o'clock A. m. the Yearly Meeting again convened, and at a suitable time our report was read therein. A minute was made authorizing the trustees to sell out the property and close up the concern as soon as they prudently could. A com- mittee was also appointed at this session to consider the subject of a change of place for holding the Yearly Meeting, and report next year. At half past three o'clock P. m. the Yearly Meeting came to a solemn conclusion, and many Friends parted and went homeward. The Yearly Meeting had evidently been a favored time, in which the hearts of Friends had been largely visited with our Heavenly Father's love, and were tendered and contrited together therein. After the close of the meeting, we took leave of many, and went back to the school in the midst of a pouring rain. Many Friends also returned to the school, and were leaving in the evening, and night and next morning. 10th. — Seventh-day. — We resumed visiting families at New Gar- den again. Stephen Macy went with us to see our cousin Achsah Hubbard; then to Zephaniah Spruell's, his wife being John Rus- sell's sister ; then John Russell went with us afterward to Gravenor Stanley's, George Swain's, Paul Swain's and Thomas Edwards' ; then to John Russell's — where we staid. 11th. — We called this morning to see Yancey and Caroline Ed- wards, not long since married; then to our cousin Nathan Coffin's ; then to Swain's, whose wife Penlah is a member of our Soci- ety; then called to see Almeda Harvey, a widow with four children, living in the brick school-house at the meeting-house, where I taught school for a time in my early life ; then to meeting at New Garden. Eliza P. Gurney, Eliza Barclay, John M. Whitall, Dr. Theophilus E. Beesley and Hannah Beesley having remained at Greensboro' since the close of the Yearly Meeting, attended at New Garden to-day. After meeting we took leave of our aforenamed friends, who were expecting to proceed homeward on to-morrow morning, and went to Timothy Russell's to dinner, where we had a sweet and refreshing time of spiritual communion together, Alfred Edwards' and his wife having also come in. Then returned to our brother Elisha Coffin's, and staid. 12th. — In the morning we called on John Ballinger and family, 224 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1860. and then went to the school, and prepared to leave for Dover, and so on, westward. The winter session of the school was to open to- day; ten boys and twelve girls were already come in. About nine o'clock A. m. we took leave, in care of Jonathan Ballinger who went with us to Reuben Starbuck's at Dover. Proceeded by the way of Friendship to Isaac Stanley's, where we dined, and had a satisfac- tory religious interview with the family. We then visited Achsah Pegg, a widow, formerly Stanley, with whom we were acquainted in early life. Then we went forward to Reuben and Rachel Star- buck's — where we were kindly taken in, and Jonathan Ballinger returned home. 13th. — We were kindly accompanied and assisted by our friend Reuben Starbuck in visiting several families. Went first to see three elderly women Friends, Sarah Jessup, Celia Perkins and Ra- chel Buckingham, who live together, sisters ; then to Richard Stan- ley's, whose wife was confined with illness; then to Lydia Stanley's, his widow mother and her daughter Rhoda ; then to Charles Pigion's ; and then to a Meeting for Worship at Dover, appointed by William G. Johnson and Samuel Lloyd, who were pretty extensively en- gaged in testimony; the meeting was not large, probably one hun- dred present. After meeting we went to George Bowman's, where we dined; then to Clarkson Starbuck's; and then back to Reuben Starbuck's, and staid. His son Lewis Starbuck came in to pass the evening with us. 14th. — Believing it proper to endeavor to reach the Lost Creek Quarterly Meeting, to be held at Newhope on the 17th, we left Reuben Starbuck's early, in his company for Salem, making a call in the settlement of Muddy Creek, as formerly called, to see a widow Fisher and two daughters, we passed Kernersville and Waughtown, and arrived at Salem at half past eleven o'clock, and stopped at a tavern. After dinner I called on the Moravian minister,' Holland, who received me politely, and entered into pleasant conversation, in which he told me he had been some six years a missionary to Jamaica. Our friend Reuben Starbuck called and bade us farewell, and re- turned home. His kindness and love toward us have indeed been great. I was introduced by our friend Holland to Schwinitz, the superintendent of the female academy, who kindly and politely conducted us through the large institution. Afterward Holland I860.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 225 walked with us to the cemetry, which I had considered in past years to be a model burying-place, and we found it yet in good or- der, but its neatness not quite equal, from what it seems to be from recollection, to what it was forty years ago. Salem, and the villages near, were settled originally, I believe, by Moravian German emigrants, who purchased one hundred thou- sand acres of land in that locality for their settlement. Since my recollection the German language was employed in the public wor- ship, and mostly by the citizens in their intercourse with each other. Noiu the place appears to be Americanized; we hear very little German in the ordinary conversation, and the worship is conducted in English. A new village is laid off adjoining Salem, called "Winston, for a county seat, and the court-house of Forsyth county is located therein. Miriam and I walked out as far as this village. T Salem, we are told, contains about one thousand three hundred inhabitants ; it is yet a pretty place, although not so neat as form- erly, and the view from the roof of the academy is uneven but beautiful. Miriam went with me to a Bible lecture, delivered by the minis- ter in their meeting-house at seven o'clock P. m., which we found interesting. 15th. — We left Salem for Wytheville at forty-five minutes past six o'clock in the stage coach. Passed Old Town in five miles ; and Bethany in nine ; formerly German villages. Then onward crossing branches of the Muddy Creek, the Tom's Creek, Ararat, and other branches of the Yadkin, we passed near the remarkable knob called the Pilot Mountain, with its huge rock, said to be three hundred feet high, on top, and constituting, certainly, one of the most interesting geological curiosities of the country. Making no stop, except for refreshment, we came to Mount Airy, forty-three miles, awhile after dark. Next morning, the 16th, we left Mount Airy at half past three o'clock A. m., and had a dark ride several miles before day-light. It was ten miles to the Blue Ridge, at the Fancy Gap, where we were to ascend the mountain, and before we commenced the as- cent, the sun rose beautifully. The road is graded, and the ascent was very gradual for five miles. The mountain scenery was, in- deed, very interesting. We were in the valley of a beautiful moun- 226 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1860. tain stream, which poured over its many falls, and we passed a mill on it at some distance before reaching the highest elevation, then followed the stream up to its source, which appeared to be at the summit. Here we came to a tavern, and stopped for breakfast. Then proceeded, and in a very short distance, perhaps less than a mile, came to a spring, from which the water flowed the other way, going to the New River instead of the Yadkin — to the Gulf of Mexico, instead of the Atlantic — and so on to Hillsville, county seat of Carrol county, Virginia, for we had crossed the line between North Carolina and Virginia soon after leaving Mount Airy. Hills- ville is nine miles from our breakfast place on the summit — and here we had a change of horses. Then went forward some thirteen miles to New River, descending the mountains in our course, and crossing the river at the ferry, proceeded onward fifteen miles fur- ther to Wytheville, where we arrived about eight o'clock P. M., very tired, having traveled fifty-two miles to-day over the moun- tains. We took supper and rested until eleven o'clock p. m., and then prepared to go into the cars by railway, which came awhile after midnight, and we proceeded by Abington and Bristol to Fullen's Station in Greene county, Tennessee, where we left the cars soon after daylight on the 17th: and after obtaining some refreshments, we went forward to the Quarterly Meeting of Ministers and Elders at Newhope. The meeting was very small, there being only five men and one woman present; our friend Eli Newlin being also in attendance. The Lost Creek Quarterly Meeting convened at eleven o'clock A. M., having about thirty-five of each sex, old and young, in attend- ance. We had a good meeting, and then business was transacted pleasantly. They are occupying a new meeting house, fifty by twenty, which cost about $800, and was built out of the proceeds of an estate left by Isaac Hammer, deceased, a German by descent, and an approved Minister among Friends, who resided in these parts. We went to Daniel Reals', and staid. He and his wife Ann have a large and interesting family, part of whom are married and settled. I860.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 227 CHAPTER X. Visit to North Carolina, Continued. — Mammoth Cave. — Secession of South Carolina. — Capture op Fort Sumpter. — Visit to Kansas. — Shawnee Mis- sion. — Close op Journal. — Memoranda. — Visit to the Sea Shore. — Declin- ing Health. — Indiana Yearly Meeting. — Scripture School Conference at Cincinnati. — Conclusion. Eleventh-month. — To-day I am sixty-two years old. God! give me a heart more truly after thee ; increase my faith and trust ; take not thy Holy Spirit from me ; pardon all my sins for Jesus' sake ; pour out thy Spirit upon my soul plentifully, according to thy will, to pro- mote holiness, and for my sanctification; fit me more and more for heaven, and the blessed realities of thy people in glory; and when it shall be thy will that I shall depart, grant me admittance, in thy kindness and mercy, into thy kingdom above. Much more would I say, but thou knowest what I have need of, and what I desire, before I ask thee : bless thy people and thy church everywhere. Amen. It is easier to write a prayer here, than it was to deliver one vo- cally in the evening, in a solemn sitting in the family, when I felt much as if I ought to. but had not sufficient faith and assurance, and yet did not feel well satisfied afterward with having omitted the eifort. I felt a fear that leanness of soul might follow as a just consequence, and that the spirit of prayer might be taken from me, on such occasions in future. I must rely on the kindness and mercy of God to overlook this omission, if it truly was one, in his sight; and implore that the fear of man may be more and more taken from me, and a clear assurance of duty given to me. 18th. — First-day. — I walked with John Hackney to Jacob Beals' — elderly Friends. Jacob is Daniel's father. Then we went to meeting at eleven o'clock A. M. — about three hundred persons pre- sent. Eli Newlin was engaged in testimony, and the meeting was in good degree satisfactory. 228 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1860. After a recess we held a Bible Meeting to consider the supply and distribution of the Holy Scriptures, and Scriptural instruction. About two hundred remained to attend, and the occasion appeared to be one of interest. After making some remarks on the above sub- jects, I was requested to state my method, as superintendent, for con- ducting a First-day Scriptural school, which I did, to apparent satisfaction. We went to Joseph Beals' and staid, and in the eve- ning had a favored religious interview with this large family. 19th. — Visited Abner Beals and family ; then John Beals and family ; both of which are large and interesting families ; then to Newhope Monthly Meeting at eleven o'clock A. M. — thirty-onu men and boys, and about as many females present. After meeting we went to Dr. William Ellis' to dinner, and had a religious sitting with him and his family, and some others who were there. There is a remarkably fine large spring here, which issues among rocks equally remarkable. These rocks are of a fine quality of blue unstratified limestone, great quantities of which, with variations of color and fineness, appear plentiful in this coun- try. Then visited Abner Ellis and family, another brother being also present. We found these last two to be interesting families also, and our sympathies were much drawn out toward them. Hence we went to Hannah Marshall's, a widow, and her daughter ; near to whom resides Eli her son, and his wife, and their family. Here we had a sympathetic interview, and staid. Daniel Beals and wife staying; with us. Daniel Beals and Eli most kindly took us to Fullen's station next morning, the 20th, before daylight; and about seven o'clock a. m. the train of cars passed, in which we went on our way to New Market, in Jefferson county. Passing Greenville, we came to New Market at fifteen minutes past ten ; and being kindly met by Branson Mills we went with him, passing Lost Creek meeting house, to William H. Morgan's, where we met with a cordial welcome. After dinner we visited Nathan Mills' family, Branson's father — he taking us to visit Isaac Jones' — a recommended Minister, his wife and her aged father, and an adopted daughter. Then re- turned to William H. Morgan's, and staid. We had a good time to- gether in the evening in a family sitting, some others being present. 21st. — Fourth-day, — To Branson Mills'; called to see Rachel Wooton ; then to meeting at Lost Creek, at eleven o'clock A. m. — I860.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 229 about one hundred present — their Preparative Meeting, which was held afterward, thirty in attendance altogether. The house is old in appearance, being two buildings twenty-five feet square, of pine logs, joined into one. Here we visited the grave of a young man from our state, who came out to this country on account of his health and died here, Arthur Butler by name. By the records at Newhope it appears that that Monthly Meet- ing was set up and opened Second-month 28, 1795, being set off from Westfield Monthly Meeting, and established by New Garden Quarterly, to which they all then belonged. Lost Creek Prepara- tive Meeting was set up Tenth-month 1795. Newbury Monthly Meeting was established, Sixth-month 1808. Lost Creek Quar- ierly Meeting had been established before this, probably in 1803. In the afternoon we visited John Haworth and family; then David Haworth and his family ; and returned to William H. Morgan's. 22d. — We visited William Pierce's family, near Lost Creek meet- ing house ; then were taken to the depot at New Market ; where we took the railroad, first to Knoxville, twenty-five miles ; then to Concord, fifteen m'les, where we were kindly met by several Friends from Friendsville. David Jones took us from thence to Friends- ville to the house of our friend James C. Allen, where we staid. Ephraim Lee and David Morgan called to see us in the evening. 23d. — Sixth-day. — Rain having come on it was very wet, muddy and uncomfortable weather. We visited David Jones and family, with whom his aged mother resides, who is very infirm ; also, David Morgan and family who are preparing to remove to Iowa. Then went to Newbury meeting at Friendsville, which had been ap- pointed at the desire of our friend Eli Newlin and ourselves jointly, we having been engaged in labor conjointly, and much to our sat- isfaction ever since our arrival in Tennessee. About one hundred and twenty attended the meeting to-day, notwithstanding the in- clemency of the weather. We visited the grave of our departed friend William Forster, who was buried here seven years ago ; then called for a short time to see John Hackney and family, after which we returned to James C. Allen's, the weather being too un- comfortable to proceed. We parted this evening with our friend Eli Newlin, whose com- pany had been very agreeable and encouraging to us, his prospect 230 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1860. being to return eastward toward North Carolina, and ours, to pro- ceed westward, as directly home as we could. 24th. — The night was very windy and cold, but we were up, and on our way back to Concord by daylight, through the aid of our kind friend John Hackney, whose son went with us. We had a cold ride eight miles to the ferry over the Holston, and boisterous crossing ; then calling at the house on the hill to warm, the place where the sickness and decease of our friend William Forster oc- curred, we afterward went forward to the railway station, and part- ing with our friends who had aided us, we were off soon after twelve o'clock, noon, toward Chattanooga. We came to Chattanooga about dark, and proceeded pretty soon in the cars for Nashville. We had a cold uncomfortable ride through the night, and did not arrive in Nashville until ten and a half o'clock A. M., having breakfasted at Murfreesboro' as we passed. 25th. — After our arrival we rested at Nashville the remainder of the day. In the afternoon Miriam and I walked a little through the city. We went to the bridge over the Cumberland, and passed the court house, State house, and tomb of President Polk. Nash- ville appears to be a fine city, in a beautiful country. 26th. — We left Nashville at fifteen minutes past two o'clock A. M., and proceeded . by railway by the way of Bowlinggreen and other places to Cave City, in the direction to Louisville. Here the train stopped for breakfast, and we took a stage coach nine miles to the Mammoth Cave. We were supplied with a guide at the hotel near the cave, and set off as soon as we could to the entrance. The day was exceedingly rainy. We descended a ravine for a quarter of a mile or so (the country around being hilly, almost mountainous), and came to the opening at what would appear several hundred feet below the common level. Our guide told us the cave was sixty feet wide and forty feet high on an average, for] four miles from the entrance. We went forward first to the "Rotunda " or "Vestibule," passing the saltpeter vats. Then still in the main cave to " the Cliffs of Ken- tucky;" then " the Church ;" the second vats ; and to the " Gothic G-alleries." We then left the main cave and took a branch cave to " the Gothic Avenue;" " Post Oak Pillar;" the first "stalactites ;" "the Register Room;" "Gothic Chapel," and then to the main cave again. Next we went to the " Standing Rock ;" " the Giant's Coffin ;" and " the Ant Eater." Then took a side cave to " the I860.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 231 Deserted Chamber;" "Wooden Bowl;" "Sleeps of Time;" "Richardson's Spring; "Arched Way;" "Side-Saddle Pit;" "Minerva's Dome;" "Bottomless Pit;" "Winding Labyrinth;" "Goren's Dome ;" then to the main cave, and to the "Acute Angle Cottages ;" and to the "Star Chamber." This is about a mile and a half from the entrance. We then went a few hundred yards farther inward ; then returned and went out. My wife penetrated about half a mile from the entrance, and then returned, not being able to walk further. Miriam and I walked in the whole, as the guide said, about six miles. The inside of the cave is generally dry, and the air is pleasant and bracing, having a temperature, steadily, at all seasons, of fifty-nine degrees. It is perfectly dark, and profoundly still. The inside of the cave is almost uniformly of a dirty gray limestone, and so dry that there are few stalactites or stalagmites, except toward the far part, some seven miles inward, which we did not see. The manufacture of saltpeter was carried on in 1812, forty-eight years ago, and yet the wooden pipes for conveying the water into the cave from the mouth are part or all still lying there, and appear as if they might still be much longer before they will decay away. The guide thought we were about two hundred and fifty to three hundred feet below the common level of the surface of the earth above. We were inside the cave some three to four hours, and came out feeling compensated and satisfied with having made this short exploration of this, certainly, one of the greatest natural geological curiosities in the world. The rocks inside give evidence in places of much wear from the action of water. It would seem probable that at some age, much water may have flowed freely through it. When we came out it was still raining profusely ; we had our dinner at the hotel ; then, after some rest, returned in the hack to Cave City, took the next train of cars for Louisville, where we ar- rived about midnight. Eleventh-month 27.— We came to Cincinnati to-day, about one P. m., and remained with our dear children, until next morning. Miriam went home this evening. 28th. — We arrived at our depot just in time for our Monthly Meeting, to which we made return of our minutes. Our friends received us with much affection and cordiality ; sweet indeed it was to be again at home, and. in gratitude to our Father in heaven, I be- 232 LIFEOF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1860. lieve our hearts were full for his preservations, kindness and mercy, with which we had been so largely favored in this long and inter- esting journey. Thanks be to God for the unspeakable gift of his Son; thanks for the gift and visitation of the Holy Spirit; and thanks for his goodness, providential care and mercy to us his fee- ble unworthy creatures, who have, through His grace some hunger- ing and thirsting after righteousness, and some ardent desire to be inheritors of his kingdom. We found our connections well, and were truly" rejoiced to' embrace them and mingle with them again. Thomas Stanley, who resides as a missionary with the Kaw Indians, in Kansas, was present, and contributions were solicited and made at his instance, for the relief of the sufferers in Kansas, on account of the failure of their crops by drought. He called to see us at home in the evening. Eleventh-month 29. — Thisday is appointed by the Governor of the State for a public thanksgiving. A quiet day. 30th. — Elizabeth Moffat died this morning. To our Quarterly Meeting of Ministers and Elders, African Com- mittee and Auxiliary Bible Meeting : all good meetings. Anna Hobbs, Joseph Brown, of Canada, Smith Gregg and his companion Thomas Haskett, were with us to-day. Twelfth-month 1. — Our Education Committee, at nine A. m., as usual ; then our Quarterly Meeting, at the usual hour — a good meet- ing. The report of our deputation to North Carolina, was read and heartily responded to by the meeting. The meeting concluded to endeavor to raise one thousand dollars, for the aid of Friends in North Carolina. 2d. — First-day. — Funeral of Elizabeth Moffat, before meeting. First-day school. Then to meeting. Smith Gregg and Enos G. Pray, very acceptably, engaged in the ministry, and Sarah Smith and Joseph Brown, in prayer. A Family Meeting was held at Charles', in the evening. E. G. P. and J. B. present. 7th and 8th. — To Spiceland Quarterly Meeting, at "Walnut Bidge. It was very pleasant to receive a cordial greeting from my friends there. The report of the deputation was well received, and re- ceived a hearty response. The meeting concluded to endeavor to raise eight hundred dollars for our Carolina .friends. Staid at Bethuel White's, where we also had the agreeable company of I860.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 233 my dear sister Mary, Isaac Parker, and brother and sister John and Rebecca Hiatt. Came home in the evening of Seventh-day. Gulielma Henly died on Seventh-day morning, the eighth. 9th. — First-day. — Scriptural school at nine — sixty present. Family Meeting at Charles' in the evening. Twelfth-month 10. — Funeral of Gulielma Henly, at eleven — and meeting. 11th. — Doctor Samuel D. Coffin, late from North Carolina, called to see us. Doctor Samuel Bettle Hill with him. Hearing that our dear aged mother is more feeble and poorly, we went out to see her. She is so failed as scarcely to know who we are, and appears to be in a good deal of discomfort — but can not tell, intelligibly, what her suffering is. 20th. — Rachel Stanton died, at five o'clock A. m. Went to Earlham College and attended meeting and recitations. An awful excitement prevails in South Carolina and, generally, throughout the south, in political affairs. The South Carolina State Convention passed, to-day, at half-past one P. m., an Ordinance of Secession from the Union. It is, indeed, a most gloomy time. We seem to be on the verge of a crisis, such an one as we have never seen. " The Lord hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm," may he rule in his mercy for the good of the nation, and the saving of the people. 23d. First-day. — To our Scriptural school — eighty present. To meeting as usual. In the afternoon, to Bible Class at Sevastopol. Family Meeting at C. F. C's in the evening. The weather has been wintry ', but not exceedingly severe. Twelfth-month 26. — Monthly Meeting. An unpleasant discussion about the right of resignation, J. S. H. having resigned his right of membership. Daniel Williams, Thomas Bond and John Knight attended meeting. 29th. — George Evans and Luke Thomas, came in to-day. In the evening we visited Levi Jessup's. 30th. — To Scriptural school, as usual. Seventy-three present. The Bible classes, among the elderly people and adult young per- sons, increase in interest. To the Family Meeting at Charles', at seven p. m. 31st. — This morning is the coldest of the season since our return. The mercury was two degrees below zero. 16 234 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1861. First-month 1, 1861. — The winter, so far, has been rather mode- rate, with some pretty cold weather. We hear of much shortness of provisions and clothing in Kansas, and probability of suffering, on account of the great drought which prevailed in that territory last year, 1860. Much has been contributed in different parts for the relief of the people, and much more is still likely to be want- ing. In all the States north of forty degrees of latitude and east of the Missouri River, the crops of wheat, corn, oats, potatoes, and vegetables and fruits generally, were good, and in many places abundant. But Kansas, part of southern Missouri, part of south- ern Kentucky, and west Tennessee, part of Alabama and Texas, suffered much from want of rains, and their crops of corn and other grains and vegetables were reported to be very short in many places. I am engaged about home, and much of my time in compiling my little work of Scripture Exercises on the Old Testament to be added to the Book of Genesis and included with that, in one volume. We are feeling in degree the feebleness, tenderness and infirmi- ties of advancing age ; but my dear wife and myself would wish to bear in our hearts, deep and living gratitude and adoration for the many favors we enjoy from the Divine Giver, and the comforts and privileges with which we are surrounded. For these may we ever bless the good name of the Lord ! We have been reading together, with much interest, the " Me- moirs and Diary of John Yeardley," including an account, also, of his amiable and gifted wife, Martha Yeardley, a work which has not failed to edify us. 3d. — I attended the Scripture recitation, and then the Meeting for Worship at Earlham College. There are about one hundred and fifty-seven students in attendance, who appear to be doing well — and the institute is in excellent order under the administration of Walter T. Carpenter and Susan M., his wife, as superintendent and matron. The teachers for this session are William B. Morgan, A. M., Dr. Zaccheas Test, Matthew Charles, Martha Ann Macy, Anna Miles, Hannah Coffin ; Clarkson Davis, governor, and Ann Eliza Brown, governess. 5th. — The mercury is two degrees below zero this morning — one of the coldest of the season. I am now at " the captivity" in the Scripture Exercises. 1861.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 235 6th. — First-day. — Seventy-one students at our Scripture School. The number has been larger this winter than in any preceding one. 8th. — The State of Mississippi secedes from the Union. 11th — Yery exciting times continue in the south about secession. The ' ; Star of the West" is driven back to sea from Charleston. Alabama and Florida both secede. 13th. — First-day. — Seventy-three at Scripture School. David Roberts died to-day. Family meeting at C. F. C.'s as usual, thirty-six present 19th. — My labors on the Exercises have been continued. Georgia secedes from the Union : two hundred to eighty-nine. 27th. — First-day. — Seventy-three present at Scripture School. Francis W. Thomas and Daniel Hill attended our meeting to-day. A glorious triumph of the gospel in the ministry of F. W. T. A good family meeting at C. F. C's in the evening, F. W. Tho- mas and D. Hill, present. First-month 28.— The State of Louisiana secedes from the U. S. Kansas is admitted as a State, by act of Congress. Central Book and Tract Committee meet to-day. Also, Executive Committee of Indiana Bible Association of Friends, — both good meetings. Second-month 1. — Texas secedes — one hundred and sixty-six to seven. 2d. — Our wedding-day. Always thought on with interest. 7th. — To Waynesville, via Cincinnati, to attend the Indian Com- mittee. I left my manuscript of-" Scripture Exercises on the Old Testament," in addition to the Book of Genesis, with E. Morgan k Sons, to be stereotyped and published — our Central Book and Tract Committee having encouraged its publication at their late meeting. Second-month 8th and 9th. — Attended the Indian Committee and the Quarterly Meeting. Went to Cincinnati, on the evening of the ninth. 10th. — First-day. — To Friends Scriptural school, at half-past nine A. m. ; then to meeting. At two p. m. went with Mary and Hannah Amelia to the Bethel Sabbath School, for poor children. About seven hundred were present — the scene was a remarkable one. To Friends' meeting again in the evening — a quiet, solemn time. 236 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1861- 11th. — Attended to some business in Cincinnati, and then re- turned home. 14th. — Our daughter, Caroline E. Ladd, is confined with a son. He is called James Edward. We have a good account of her con- dition. 20th. — p. m. A message of anxiety came to us about the con- dition of our dear Caroline. Miriam and I left at half-past nine A. m. for William H. LadoYs. The day was a sad one to us, but we were somewhat relieved on arriving at Joseph Hammonds' — who told us that Caroline was better. Second -month 22. — We found our dear Caroline improved, which relieved us much. m 24th. — At Cross Creek Meeting. 25th. — I visited Matthew and Eliza Watson. * 26th. — Caroline is now so much improved, that our daughter Han- nah Amelia (who had gone before us) and I, left for our respective homes. We came, together, to Dayton, and then parted, on the morning of the twenty-seventh. 27th. — David H. Bennett and Anna Thornburgh attended our Monthly Meeting to-day. Third-month 1.— Sixth-day. — Our friend, Joseph Doan died, sud- denly, to-day. I esteemed him a valuable Christian man; an eldes in the church, and a minister of Christ ; one who accepted the message and truths of the Grospel, as found in the Holy Scriptures, in simplicity of faith, and in the love of them. He has been a useful and efficient laborer in the discipline of the church for many years ; many, many times have I been connected with him in various important engagements. He desired, I believe, to make his life consistent with his profession. By his death we have lost a valu- able member, a Christian associate, a brother beloved, one of those whom we esteemed as standard bearers, who had given in their names to the service of Christ. May it please the Lord to raise up other instruments to take the place of those who, in his inscrutable will and wisdom he sees fit to remove to their heavenly rest. My mind dwells on the memory of this brother in peace; I have much confidence that the Lord has taken him into his kingdom above. Our select Quarterly Meeting was held to-day, which was a good meeting. We had also a good time at our Quarterly Meeting, on 1861.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 237 the second, David H. Bennett, Anna Thornburg, Francis W. Tho- mas and Ruth Haisley, were present, and had acceptable testi- mony for Jesus. Our meeting united, with a request from Kansas, to establish a Quarterly Meeting in that State, and forwarded the request to the Yearly Meeting. First-day 3.— We had forty-three at our Scriptural school. The morning was inclement. Third-month 4. — To-day Abraham Lincoln, our President elect, takes the chair. May the Divine blessing attend his administration. 5th. — The President's inauguration was conducted peaceably. His cabinet officers are : .Secretary of State, William H. Seward, New York. „ Treasury, Salmon P. Chase, Ohio. ,, War, Simon Cameron, Pennsylvania. „ Navy, Gideon Welles, Connecticut. ,, Interior, Caleb B. Smith, Indiana. Postmaster General, Montgomery Blair, Maryland. Attorney General, Edward Bates, Missouri. 6th. — The winter session of Earlham College closed to-day. It has been a prosperous session, having between one hundred and fifty and one hundred and sixty students* A meeting at C. F. C's. to-night. D. H. Bennett, present. 9th. — Decease of Rebecca Grellet, widow of Stephen Grellet, of Burlington, New Jersey, aged eighty-nine. Her father was Isaac Collins : she is removed in a good old age. Third-month 10. — First-day. — Snow this morning ; yet eighty attended our Scriptural school. Meeting this evening at C. F. C's. ; forty to fifty^ present. 17th. — Ninety-six at our Scriptural school this morning. This is the day appointed for release of twenty-two millions Rus- sian serfs from bondage. An event affecting the well-being of so large a number of the human family can not fail to be interesting, and its issues will be looked to with interest. I have been engaged, recently, in producing some essays on "Friends in North Carolina," for Friends' Review. 21st. — The weather has been cold for the season several days past. Yesterday and to-day there is snow. 22d. — Robert Williams died this evening* 238 LIFE OF ELD All COFFIN, [1861. 24th. — First-day. Eighty-four at Scriptural school. A large meeting to-day. David Ii. Bennett and Francis W. Tho- mas, both, in attendance. A wonderful flow and triumph of the Gospel. Glory be to our God. I attended the Scriptural school of the people of color this P. M. Good evening meeting, as usual, at C. F. C's. 25th.— Funeral of Robert Williams, largely attended. David H. Bennett, Enos G. Pray, and Rachel Bundy present. A solemn time. 26th. — A storm, with hail this p. M. Summer session at Earlham College opens. 29th. — The committee met at the college at one P. m. Fourth-month 4. — Death of John McLean, aged seventy-six, at Cincinnati, a distinguished citizen and judge of United States Su- preme Court. 6th. — Seventh-day. — A Meeting at Bethel of the General Com- mittee, on First-day schools, of our Quarterly meeting. 7th. — One hundred and seven at our Scriptural school this A. M. About fifty at meeting this evening at Charles F. Coffin's. We are reading the Life of Stephen Grellet, by Benjamin See- bohm, in which we are deeply interested. 12th. — Samuel Bettle, senior, of Philadelphia, died to-day, at an advanced age. He was, for several years clerk of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting. My Scripture Exercises on the Old Testament, to be added to the book of Genesis, and make one volume, are now in the hands of the stereotypers. 13th. — Report is received of the bombardment and surrender of Fort Sumpter, in the Charleston harbor, by the South Carolinians, and the surrender thereof by Major Anderson, United States com- mander. This is looked upon as the beginning of cival war. An exceeding great excitement runs through the whole nation. The President calls for seventy-five thous#nd volunteers to de- fend Washington and aid in subduing rebellion, and enforcing the laws of the United States. This call was responded to by all the free States ; and the num- ber required was offered in about a week. We have had a week of eool, wet weather. 1861.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 239 14th. — One hundred and thirty-three attended our Scripture school this morning. About forty at the family meeting at Charles F. Coffin's this evening. 15th. — Philadelphia Yearly Meeting opens to-day. We hear that our friend John Hodgkin has arrived from England on a re- ligious visit. Susan Howland is also in attendance at Philadel- phia. 17th. — Volunteer companies are rapidly being formed. 18th. — The Virginia State Convention joins the Secessionists. Joseph J. G. Russell arrived from North Carolina. 19th. — Harper's Ferry armory partly destroyed by the officers and soldiers in command, to prevent it from falling into the hands of the Secessionists. 20th. — A mob at Baltimore, and several killed, on the occasion of a company of Massachusetts volunteers passing through. 21st. — First-day. — Last evening our children, Eli and Mary C. Johnson came in from Cincinnati, and with them on a visit to the Sabbath schools here, Bellamy Storer, Joseph Emery, George F. Davis, and H. H. Brown. They attended our school this morning (one hundred and fifty-nine present), and made some suitable re- marks. Two of them, Joseph Emery and George F. Davis, attended our Meeting of Worship. A general Union Sabbath School Meeting was held at the Starr Hall, at three o'clock p. m., which we attended. It was full to overflowing. 22d. — Family Meeting for Worship this morning, at Charles F. Coffin's. The four visitors from Cincinnati attended. A time of prayer. The visitors then left for Cincinnati. Many volunteers now collecting. Great excitement generally. 23d. — We have a fine day — the weather nearly to summer warmth. Peach trees and cherry trees in bloom. We were preparing our garden; and planting our peas and beans. I read proof-sheets of my "Scripture Exercises." 26th. — Pear trees in bloom. Heavy rain in the evening. 28th. — First-day. — One hundred and sixty-one at Scriptural school. 240 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN.' 1861,] In the afternoon I visited the German Lutheran Scriptural school. About sixty in attendance. 29th. — The regular Meeting of our Central Book and Tract Com- mittee was held at ten o'clock A. M., and of the Executive Commit- tee of the Indiana Bible Association, at one o'clock p. m. Both in- teresting meetings. A laborious but edifying day. Heavy rain at night. Elijah Coffin loved the beautiful things of nature. To him not only did " the heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament show his handy work," but he cherished every flower, and the most common garden herb which adorns the bosom of the earth. By his frequent mention of the different varieties which came under his notice, in the remaining entries of his journal, it is obvious that his admiration for them increased as he neared the close of his earthly scenes. 30th. — A fine morning. The apple-trees and lilacs in bloom. Went to Hiram Hadley's school, at Whitewater, to hear a class in Scripture. Fifth-month 1. — I am writing some essays for Friends' Be view, on " Friends in North Carolina." We went to meeting at New Garden ; and afterward visited our dear aged friends Francis and Lydia Thomas. Then returned in the evening. 2d and 3d. — I went to Cincinnati for an astronomical clock for the Observatory, at Earlham College. The stereotype of my "Scrip- ture Exercises on the Old Testament," is nearly completed. Extensive military preparations are now in progress in the north- ern and western States. 9th. — Most of our garden seeds are now planted. Eli and Mary C. Johnson came this afternoon. 10th. — Decease of our beloved friend Christina Macy, of Nan- tucket. 12th. — First-day. — Yery rainy. One hundred and twenty-one at Scriptural school. Zeri and Miriam Hough were with us. 19th. — One hundred and forty at Scriptural school this morning. 1861.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 141 Mary Amelia, only daughter of 0. F. and R. M. Coffin, expired suddenly, after a very short illness, at twenty minutes past four o'clock this afternoon. This is, indeed, a sharp affliction. We pray that they, and each one of the rest of us, may bear it man- fully, and in a proper, humble spirit. 20th. — The North Carolina Convention passes a secession ordi- nance. 21st. — Funeral of little Mary Amelia this morning largely at- tended. A solemn, tendering time. 26th. — A Bible Meeting was held this afternoon. 27th. — Visited the encampment of soldiers at the Fair ground, and distributed one hundred and fifty testaments, and twelve hun- red tracts. 29th. — A committee on a proposed alteration of our Discipline, convened this afternoon ; also one on the arrangement of business of our Yearly Meeting. In both, the conference together was agreeable. 30th. — Fifth-day. — Our Meeting for Sufferings convened at ten o'clock A. M.; then again at three o'clock p. M.; then adjourned until eight o'clock A. m., 31st. — Some important business was trans- acted, and at the last sitting an Epistle of Caution and Counsel to our Subordinate Meeting and members was adopted, relating mainly to the civil war now in progress, but embracing advice against the circulation of mischievous documents, and on some other subjects. The Quarterly Meeting of Ministers and Elders convened at eleven o'clock a. m., and was a good meeting. Sixth-month 1. — Seventh-day. — The Quarterly Meeting was large, and favored with the good Presence. We had with us our friends George Carter, Thomas Arnett, Jacob Hadley, Phebe Cook, of Westfield, Indiana, Cornelius Douglass, and others. The Epistle above alluded to was read and united with. 2d.— Our Scriptural school was largely attended this morning (one hundred and sixty-two students, and many visitors), and was followed by a large Meeting for Worship. A good meeting; also a good meeting in the evening at Charles F. Coffin's. 3d. — Visited the encampment of soldiers at the Fair ground again, and distributed thirty-seven Testaments, and about twelve hundred tracts. 242 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1861. 4tli. — My strength is very feeble, but I am preparing to set off to Kansas in company with Jonathan Baldwin to visit and examine our Shawnee Indian establishment, by appointment of our last Yearly Meeting. He first alludes himself to the declining state of his health in the above note. For about two months previous to this date, disease was stealthily planting its impress upon the subject of this memoir. It began in the stomach, and at first had the appearance of a return of dyspepsia, with which he had suffered some years previous. He describes it himself, in a letter of subsequent date, as a " weakness of stomach, and torpor of digestion." Simple remedies were used, strict attention was given to diet, domestic exercise was taken io the open air, and horseback riding, were all resorted to, which, failing to relieve him, he applied to a physician, and began medical treatment ; however, it soon became apparent to his family and friends that he was los- ing in strength and flesh. During this feeble state of health, in addition to a large private correspondence, he continued his literary labors, preparing a new volume of " Scripture Exercises," some essays for Friends' Review, relative to " Friends in North Carolina," and other objects of interest in connection with his religious Society. These, undoubtedly, tended to aggravate the disease, and it pro- gressed slowly and surely. It was hoped that the proposed journey to Kansas might have a beneficial effect upon his now very reduced state of health. 5th. — Set off for Kansas this morning, at five o'clock, in company with Jonathan Baldwin. We had some delay in connection at Indianapolis, and again at Lafayette ; but proceeded comfortably through the night, and arrived at Quincy at nine o'clock A. M., the 6th. After crossing the Mississippi, we took the road to the Palmyra Junction, and there came upon the Hannibal and St. Joseph Road, on which we traveled during the afternoon and 1861.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 243 evening, in a, direction nearly west, through a very fine country ; arrived at St. Joseph at eleven o'clock p. m. We continued down the Missouri by railway to Iatan, where we took a boat for Leaven- worth City, and arrived there at five o'clock A. M., on the 7th. Rested at a hotel until after dinner, then went by hack to William H. Coffin's. We remained at W. H. C.'s during the 8th and 9th, visiting some in the neighborhood on the 8th, and on the 9th attended the Scripture school, then meeting, at Kansas. They had sixty-two in attendance at the school, and about one hundred in attendance at the Meeting for Worship, which followed. Jeremiah Hadley of Whitelick and Dr. James Kersey were also at the meeting. 10th. — Jonathan, William, Benajah W. Hiatt and myself set off for Friends' Shawnee Mission, via Lawrence, in a carriage. We passed through rich, beautiful prairie country on the way to Law- rence, and crossing the Kansas River, came to that place about three o'clock p. m. After remaining an hour or so, to attend ,to some business and make some inquiries, we proceeded eastward toward the Mission ten or eleven miles, and staid the night with our friends Jonathan and Phebe Mendenhall, in the vicinity of Eudora. The country through which we passed, after leaving Lawrence, is level prairie and very rich. 11th. — We called at Levi Woody's ; then visited two Indian chiefs, who reside not far off; first, Charles Fish, whom we found so intoxicated that we were not able to obtain information from him, or have any satisfaction with him. His wife is a fine-looking person, and intelligent in appearance. Next, Paschal Fish, his brother, some two miles or more off. He is a sober, intelligent person ; speaks English well ; and makes religious profession. They both have good farms, and Paschal has a frame dwelling, in good order. Proceeded next, via Lexington, to De Soto, where we had some hope of finding James B. Abbott, the newly appointed agent of the Shawnees. But he had gone to Westport ; so we proceeded for- ward to Shawnee, and thence, after making arrangement to see the agent to-morrow on his return, we went to Friends' Mission, dis- tant from Shawnee about two and a half miles. We found the family and school well, and were kindly received. There are now 244 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1861. twenty-four Indian and three white children — twenty-seven in all — under Lydia Butler as teacher. 12th.— We visited the school in the morning ; then went to the house of Graham Rogers, the presiding chief of the Shawnees ; but he was gone from home. His wife and his mother Ootsiqua treated us respectfully. Graham owns a large farm of good land, and his dwelling is respectable and comfortable. After leaving the dwelling, we passed a large wheat field of one hundred acres or more ; the wheat looking very well. We regretted not finding him at home. After twelve o'clock m., we went to Shawnee to meet the agent, and had an opportunity of laying our request before him, that he would aid us in obtaining a more perfect title for our school farm — three hundred and twenty acres — which he heard with respect, and promised assistance. We were also intro- duced to Matthew King, another Shawnee chief, and Samuel M. Cornatzer, secretary of the Shawnee council. We returned to the Mission, and in the evening walked over the large farm. The growing crops all look well ; but we fear that the superintendent, James Stanley, has more on hand than he can accomplish, and that the corn will suffer for want of tillage. 13th. — Visited the school, and was engaged in preparing papers, in the forenoon. Then, after dinner, visited the Mission of the Methodist Church South, about four or five miles distant, which has been superintended by Thomas Johnson. This Mission would appear to have been undertaken upon a magnificent scale ; there are three sections (one thousand nine hundred and twenty acres) of land attached to the establishment, of a first-rate quality ; the location is extremely beautiful ; the dwelling, school and chapel buildings, boarding-house, and other buildings, appear to have been arranged of sufficient magnitude and capacity to educate all the children of the Shawnees. The income is very large ; it has enjoyed the entire patronage of the government; but yet, from the very small number (about seven or eight) of Shawnee children now at school, and the dilapidated and shattered condition of the buildings generally, it gives to visitors like us the idea of a perfect failure. The Shawnee agent has received a commission to examine the concern, and possibly some considerable changes may soon be made as to the exclusive favor of the government. We understand that a son of Thomas Johnson now has the superintendency of the 1861.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 245 concern ; but he was not at home. We were courteously received by the young man who is acting as teacher (who is a minister of the Methodist Church South) at the school, who afterward took us to the dwelling and introduced us to his wife. After a short stay we returned. 11th. — We had an interesting interview with our Mission school, and asked them many questions on geography and Scripture. Their answers were very satisfactory, considering their experience, and showed that they had received much care and labor from their teacher, Lydia Butler, and from the superintendent and matron, James and Rachel Stanley. Then we arranged various matters of business, and soon after dinner parted with our friends at the Mission, and with the Indian children, and proceeded on our return to Kansas settlement of Friends. Our school is now composed of Indian children of the tribes named below : seven Shawnees, ten Ottawas, two Wyandottes, one Stockbridge, one Brotherton, one Seneca, one New York, and three white children (J. S.'s) — twenty- seven in all. In our way we passed Shawnee, crossed the Kansas river at the " Delaware Crossings," and came to the Baptist Mission, superin- tended by John G-. Pratt and wife. It was pouring rain, and we were kindly taken in. There are now about sixty-five children, all of the Delaware tribe of Indians, who appear to be well instructed by two female teachers, Elizabeth Morse and . Sixth-month 15. — We had an interesting interview with the school soon after nine o'clock; then set off to the north-west, and traveled through the beautiful and excellent lands of the Delawares, and reached Wm. H. Coffin's in the evening. 16th. — First-day. — Rested; went to the Scripture school, and then attended meeting. Over sixty at school, and about one hun- dred at meeting. After meeting to Benajah W. Hiatt's, and to William's in the evening. 17th. — We set off this morning for home. William and Bena- jah accompanied us to Leavenworth, where, after doing some busi- ness, we embarked on steamboat to Iatan, and thence by railway to St. Joseph, and staid at the Patte House, a large and well-conducted hotel. There are a considerable number'of government troops now here to protect the property, preserve the peace, and in the en- forcement of the laws. 246 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1861. 18th. — Set off at five o'clock on our way to Hannibal, to which place we came at four o'clock p. m. Troops were stationed at various places to protect the railway, and bridges, etc. From Hannibal to Quincy, by boat; and were off at six o'clock and forty minutes p. m., on the road across Illinois. 19th. — We came to the Junction, near Lafayette, in the morning, to breakfast ; thence to Indianapolis, and home at twenty-five min- utes past three. Being very feeble and much prostrated, I was truly grateful to arrive again at sweet home, and to come again under the embrace and care of the loved ones there and there- about. The entries in Elijah Coffin's journal here cease. His increasing ill health, to which allusion is made in the above memorandum, rendered him unable to continue it, in addi- tion to his other engagements. He returned home from this journey but little benefited, the labor of traveling, his close engagements, while there, and the necessity of a speedy return, on account of the outbreak of hostilities in Missouri, caused the journey to prove rather a disadvantage to him than otherwise. In a pocket memorandum book which he had previously used for his notes, from which he compiled his journal, we find the following brief entries, which, if his health had permitted, would no doubt have been written out more fully on transcribing them into his journal. My cherries ripe at home. Yery feeble, resting at home. Cur- rants began to ripen. Daily news of skirmishes with federal and rebel troops. 21st. — White lilies in bloom. A hot afternoon, ninety degrees. 22d. — Dr. William Judkins died at three o'clock A. m. Still feeble, but better. Visited Matthew Barker. Funeral of Mary Thomas, at New Garden. 24th. — Our strawberries are gone. Currants beginning to ripen. 25th. — Catalpas in bloom. Raspberries beginning to ripen. 26th. — Monthly Meeting. Gooseberries in season. 29th. — White lillies in bloom. 1861.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 247 30th. — First-day. — Had a poorly afternoon. I have been very feeble and unwell for awhile past. Seventh-month 1. — A comet appeared in the northwest, with a tail reaching to the zenith. 2d. — The comet is forty-five degrees above the horizon, in the northwest, and the tail reaches to the zenith and beyond. A beautiful prospect of the comet this morning, said to be the largest since 1812. 6th. — Catalpas in bloom. The comet continues visible, but goes higher toward the zenith, and less of the tail is to be seen. 7th. — First-clay. — A good Scripture school ; one hundred and forty-three present. I am some better, but feeble. 8th. — Manilla cherries in season ; trees full this year. A fine rain ; much needed. 9th. — My strength improves slowly. 10th. — Our first early York cabbages. 11th. — Went to Earlham College. 13th. — The season of raspberries closed. Garden peas gone. 14th. — First-day. — A very good Scripture school. in at- tendance. About fifty at family meeting at Charles F. Coffin's, this evening ; a good meeting. 16th. — Skirmishes almost daily in AVestern Virginia, and occa- sionally in Missouri. 17th. — The season of currants closed. My Scripture Exercises on the Old Testament, out to-day. 18th. — The season of gooseberries closed. 19th. — First peonies in bloom. A great battle in Eastern Vir- ginia threatened. 20th. — The season of Manilla cherries closed. The grape-vines promise a fine yield this year. 21st. — First-day. — One hundred and sixty-seven at Scripture school ; the largest of the season, and largest of any former attend- ance. Over fifty at family meeting at Charles F. Coffin's this evening. 22d. — Hollyhock's in bloom. We hear of a terrible conflict be- tween the national troops and the rebels, at Manassas Junction on 21st. 23d. — First apples of the season, on the table. Blackberries coming in. Went to Jacob Graves' this morning. 248 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1861. 24th. — First tiger lilies in bloom. Monthly Meeting. 25th. — Death of Thomas Frazier, near Salem, Iowa. 28th. — One hundred and thirty-nine at Scripture school. First- day School Committee at four o'clock p. m. 29th. — Central Book and Tract Committee. Executive Indiana Bible Association. A busy, but agreeable day. 31st. — Thermometer ninety-four degrees. Eli Johnson went to Cincinnati. Eighth-month 1. — First newborn and beans. Thermometer ninety- two degrees. 2d, — Thermometer eighty-three degrees at thirty minutes past nine o'clock A. M.; clear. Tiger lilies in full bloom. Mary C. Johnson went to Cincinnati. Thermometer ninety-five degrees at three o'clock P. M. Wife goes to Bethel. Bain. 3d. — Whitewater Branch General Committee on First-day Schools, at Bethel, at ten o'clock a. m. E. C. to discourse twenty minutes, on the origin of the Bible, and history of translations [referring to himself]. Thermometer eighty-seven degrees, at eleven o'clock a. m. 4th. — One hundred and forty-eight at Scripture school this A. M. A poorly afternoon. 5th. — Very hot. Thermometer ninety degrees and over. M. M. and H. A. White came in from an eastern journey. Poorly again this afternoon. 6th. — Still very hot. Death of Elisha Bates. Medical remedies failing to check the decline, and seeing that his life was seriously threatened, his physician and family urged him to try the invigorating influence of the sea air and bathing. Accompanied by his son C. F. C. and wife, and a friend, he reluctantly left home on the fol- lowing date. 8th. — Set off at eleven o'clock p. m., for Atlantic City, New Jer- sey. 9th. — Breakfasted at Coshocton, at seven o'clock A. M. Indian Committee at Miami to-day. Heard of the decease of Elisha Bates ; his burial was on the 7th. Passed Pittsburg, forty-five minutes past three o'clock P. M. All night in the cars. 1861.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 249 • 10th. — At Philadelphia, at thirty minutes past five o'clock a. m- Left at thirty minutes past seven o'clock, for Atlantic City. Miami Quarterly Meeting to-day. Arrived at Atlantic City at thirty min- utes past eleven o'clock a. m. First sea-bath at twelve o'clock m. Home at David Scattergood's. 11th. — A fine sea-bath early this A. M. Meeting at J. M. Whit- all's, at half-past ten o'clock. Poorly; rested in the afternoon. Rain. 12th — Went to the surf at five o'clock A. M. A northeast wind with rain. Poorly again this afternoon. In writing to his daughter H. A. W., he thus refers to his indisposition : " I can not say that I am better, my difficulties remain much the same, that distressing spasmodic paroxysm of the upper region of the stomach still comes upon me occasionally — and short of a total abstinence of food, I should scarcely know how to avoid it — frequently very distressing, but jmore or less so at times, while it lasts, say from two to four hours. Last night, after sup- per, I had a very ill turn until midnight perhaps, but am better this morn- ing." 13th.— To the surf at five o'clock A. M. Charles left for Phila- delphia at fifteen minutes past six. A stormy day. Wind from northeast. 14th. — Fourth-day. — Session ( of Earlham College closes. Prepa- rative Meeting of Ministers and Elders at home. 15th. — Meeting at J. M. Whitall's, at ten o'clock a. m. Rode to the beach, then sailed to Brigantine beach, five miles. A pleasant sail. A fine day throughout. 16th. — About the house, and wrote letters. Windy, cloudy and threatening rain. 17th. — Rainy this morning. 18th. — First-day. — A pleasant bath in the surf. Meeting at J. M. Whitall's at half past ten o'clock A. M. Scripture reading at J. M. Whitall's. 19th. — A pleasant bath in the surf. Rode on the beach. 20th. — Went crab fishing. Left Atlantic City andwent to Phil- adelphia. Home with my friends Thomas E. and Hannah Bees- ley, No. 32 Eleventh street. 21st. — Attended to several matters in the city. To meeting at Twelfth street at ten o'clock A. M. Dinner at Dr. Beesley's. Wil- li 250 LIFE OP ELIJAH COFFIN. [1861. Kara Gr. Johnson present. Kode to Fairrnount, etc., with Thomas Kirnber ; then to tea with him. 22d. — T. Kirnber went with me to several places in the city. Dinner at Dr. Beesley's. Left for Pittsburg at fifteen minutes past ten o'clock p. m. 23d. — Breakfast at Altoona. At Pittsburgh at twelve o'clock m. Left in a boat at two o'clock. Staid at Wellsville. 24th. — Off at three o'clock A. m. to Stubenvill'e. To William H. Ladd's at half past ten o'clock. Delightful weather. Had a poorly evening. 25th.— -First-day.:— At William H. Ladd's. Went with William H. Ladd to meeting at Cross Creek. Had a poorly day. 26th. — At William H. Ladd's. Caroline and I rode out. Death of John Morris. Fine weather continues. 27th — At William H. Ladd's. Caroline and I rode out again. 28th. — At William H. Ladd's. Caroline and I rode out. Felt my feebleness. William went over the Ohio river into Pennsylvania. 29th. — At William H. Ladd's. Caroline and I rode out. Fine weather. Leave at two o'clock p. m. for Unionport, to take the cars homeward. 30th. — Home at thirty-five minutes past four. A delightful day and weather. 31st. — Poorly this morning. Another very fine day. This journey also proved insufficient, and he returned, not being in the least benefited. He was able to ride out and daily to give some attention to his common engage- ments; his continued interest in the various objects of a religious and philanthropic nature, in which he was engaged, led him to give them more attention than the state of his health justified. He devoted much of his time to concerns connected with the approaching Yearly Meeting, and the efforts of his pen were only abated when his exhausted strength demanded a cessation of labor. Ninth-month 1. — To Scripture school; one hundred and forty- nine present. Fine day. To meeting. Feeble this afternoon. 2d. — Second-day. — Rode out. About home. 1861.] "LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 251 3d. — Rode out. About home. 4th. — Rode out. Went to meeting. William H. Morgan, wife and daughter at meeting and home with us. 5th. — Rode out. Poorly this afternoon; obliged to give up go- ing to Quarterly Meeting. 6th. — John Hodgkin and Jeremiah Hacker arrived at Charles F. Coffin's last night. They go off to Quarterly Meeting this morn- ing. I can not go. Auxiliary Bible Meeting at three o'clock. 7th.— Peaches ripening. Quarterly Meeting at Milford. A good meeting, I hear. John Hodgkin and Jeremiah Hacker, David Hunt and wife present. 8th. — Eliza P. Gurney, John M. Whitall, and Mary his wife, came at half past four, yesterday. John and Mary Whitall go with us to Scripture school. Eliza attended meeting. A good meeting. John Hodgkin at Milford, but came here and attended Family Meeting at Charles F. Coffin's. 9th. — I went to our college with John and Mary Whitall. In the afternoon, the Friends went to an appointed meeting of John Hodgkin, near the village of Boston. They returned in the evening. 10th. — Eliza P. Grurney, and her companions, go homeward at half past nine o'clock a. M. John Hodgkin and company go west- ward to Spiceland at fifteen minutes past ten o'clock. I am but feeble to-day. The weather has been very dry recently. Rain this evening. 11th. — Rain; refreshing and most acceptable. A marriage of Elgar Brown, junior, with Sarah Bond to-day. Weather wet. I was two feeble to attend meeting. A change of physicians will explain the following note. Elijah Coffin had been under medical treatment for some time previous to this date. 12th. — About home. Poorly. Consulted Dr. Baer. 13th. — Much in health as yesterday. Friends passed through going to Western Yearly Meeting. G-rapes ripening. 14th. — Peaches in full season. Rain. About the house, and poorly. Western Yearly Meeting of Ministers and Elders. Heavy rain. 15th. — Rain last night. Too feeble to go to Scripture school or meeting. Western Yearly Meeting. A fine day. 252 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1861. 16th. — Western Yearly Meeting of Business. 17th. — We hear good reports from Western Yearly Meeting. I am still in poor health. Dr. Bear visits me daily. 18th. — Not able to go to meeting. Preparative Meeting. 20th. — Western Yearly Meeting. About home these days ; quite poorly. 22d. — Not able to go to meeting. I am still quite poorly. 24th. — John Henry Douglas came to see me. '' 25th. — Monthly Meeting. I did not attend — too unwell. 27th. — Edith Griffith came in to see me, on a visit. Spent the day acceptably with me. David and Sarah Ann Hunt came in to see me. 28th. — Edith Griffith left at nine o'clock A. M. for Cincinnati. Weather cool. John Hodgkin came to Charles F. Coffin's. 29th. — First frost last night. I did not attend Scripture school, but attended meeting. Feeble. John Hodgkin, David Hunt, and J. H. Douglas present. John Hodgkin had a public meeting at four o'clock p. M. — probably two thousand persons present — about seven hundred soldiers. 30th. — Our daughters Mary and Hannah Amelia arrived. Eli- zabeth Meader and companions arrived. A fine day. Gathered some grapes. Tenth-month 1. — Elizabeth Meader and companions, Henry T. Wood and wife, called. Yearly Meeting of Ministers and Elders at ten o'clock A. m.; I attended an hour and a half. Certificates were read for John Hodgkin, Elizabeth Meader, Mary Thomas, Samuel Lloyd, Edward Jenkins, Mary Elliot, Martha Watkins and Joseph Haviland. The Meeting for Sufferings at three o'clock; I hear it was a good meeting. 2d. — Executive Committee of Indiana Bible Association at ten A. M. at the school-house ; the report adopted. Annual Meeting of Central Book and Tract Committee at six o'clock P. m; a good meeting. 3d. — Yearly Meeting at ten o'clock; decidedly smaller than here- tofore ; I attended one hour and twenty minutes ; a good sitting. African Committee at four o'clock p. m. Education Committee at six o'clock p. m.; reported large and interesting. 4th. — Meeting for Sufferings at eight o'clock. Yearly Meeting at ten o'clock A. m.,j the attendance fuller; I attended one hour and 1861.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 253 thirty-five minutes : state of Society considered. Bible Meeting at six o'clock p. m. Those who were privileged to attend the sitting of the Yearly Meeting above alluded to, will retain a lively mem- ory of the erect but wasted form of him who has performed his allotted task on earth, and become a memher of the "General Assembly and Church of the First-born," in Heaven, as he pressed the claims of personal religion upon his hearers in a communication of almost half an hour in length. He says : Our Saviour had a significant meaning when he said: "Feed my lambs — feed my sheep;" and the Apostle when he said: " Feed the flock of God." A proper concern has been felt by many because some of our youth do not man- ifest all that attachment to our principles and practice which we desire. A very serious inquiry arises, why this should be so, and a deep sense of our responsibility should take hold of our minds. If those who are further ad- vanced in years, and on whom the weight of Society mainly rests, do not mani- fest an example of hearty devotedness to Christ, and commend that example by sound, careful, tender instruction; if they do not through the aid of the Holy Spirit dispense spiritual food, they can not expect a growing attachment to their profession in the youth. Care as the outward restraints is necessary and indispensable, as well as a due regard to our Christian testimonies, to plainness of speech and apparel. But these alone, without spiritual nourish- ment and instruction, would be like starving the flock within the fold which protects it from outside dangers. So if our youth, on being awakened to some sense of their spiritual need — on coming to hunger and thirst after righteous- ness, and to feel an interest in their eternal welfare, should not find living bread at home, they will be likely to seek for it elsewhere. So also those who are not awakened, will fail to see anything attractive in our forms, except a re- fined morality, where there is no life of religion making its impression from those to whom they look. Let us, therefore, be stirred up to a due sense of our situation and responsibilities. Let the love of Christ, and a hearty devotion appear in our lives, and conduct, and words. Let prayer abound — not prayer talked of, but prayer practiced ** with the spirit and with the understanding also." Do our children^ ever hear us pray? Do they know that we ever do pray? While we may inadvertently or otherwise speak slightly of the prayer of others, are we not in danger of suppressing right exercises in our youth, and of the fearful error of "quenching the spirit?" Let us practice devotional family reading. The Holy Scriptures and the Holy Spirit assuredly come to our aid. In all devotional exercises, the only test is whether they are owned or attended by the Spirit of Christ. If they are, all opposition proceeds from a wrong source Our testimony lies against formal and lifeless prayer. Let us encourage those 254 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1861. who are religiously exercised, and help, instruct, correct, and lead forward such in a loving spirit. And at small meetings where there may be little of the life of religion, let the members be stirred up to greater practical devoted- ness and life in their profession. " Let their meetings be held in the power of God;" and we believe that where our profession is commended by the over- flowing of the love of God, the attachment of our youth and others will be se- cured, and that Society and fellowship, and love, and unity, will grow and in- crease. We should also remember our inherent and guaranteed privileges of family worship, either in single families, or where others may join as a private social engagement. And families living remote or while traveling, are en- couraged to attend to this solemn duty and obligation, which would tend to keep up the life in themselves and their families, and commend their profession to others. These remarks of Elijah Coffin were characterized by a spirit of earnest zeal for the Master ; the meeting directed the clerk to embody them in the minute on the state of Society. 5th. — Ministers and Elders at eight o'clock. Yearly Meeting at ten o'clock ; the meeting full. I attended one hour and forty-five minutes. Indian reports. Committee of Boarding-School, etc. — r General First-day School Committee at four o'clock p. m. Eli Johnson came in at ten o'clock. Rain. 6th. — First-day. — Rain. Large Meeting for Worship atl6 o'clock A. M. I attended one hour and a half. John Hodgkin spoke fifty minutes. Another large meeting at three o'clock p. M. A Meet- ing of Youth at seven o'clock ; house full. 7th. — Yearly Meeting at ten o'clock. I attended until twelve o'clock. Additional exercise on the state of Society. John Hodg- kin's Meeting for Youth at four o'clock p. m.; house full. Sth. — Yearly Meeting at eleven o'clock. I attended until thirty minutes past twelve. Yearly Meeting closed at three o'clock p. m. Many Friends departed homeward. John Hodgkin and companion and Dr. Beesley left at eleven o'clock p. m. for Philadelphia. The Sabbath School Conference of Friends, which was to be held at Cincinnati, during the week following the Yearly Meeting, had promise of being an occasion full of interest, to one who so much loved the Sabbath school interests as Elijah Coffin ; and although scarcely able to leave the pre- 1851.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 255 cincts of his \ own threshold, he could not easily forbear making the attempt to be present. His family also did not feel fully satisfied without still further efforts being made to arrest the progress of his disease, and much desired that his case might be examined by a valued physician and friend of the family, Dr. David Judkins, in Cincinnati, which be- ing strongly urged by personal friends, who were attending the Yearly Meeting, in compliance with their wishes, he set off, accompanied by his eldest daughter and son, C. F. C. ; and his wife, for this double purpose. 9th. — Received several calls this morning. I left home at four o'clock P. m., with our children, for Cincinnati. Arrived at thirty- minutes past eight o'clock, having suffered on the way much pain. 10th. — Eeceived a call from Dr. D. Judkins. Meeting at eleven o'clock ; I did not attend. Scripture School Conference met at half-past two o'clock p. m. I was appointed to preside pro tern.; an interesting company present. Had a very poorly night. 11th. — Felt low this morning. I attended the morning session for a short time. Went again to the afternoon session for awhile. A session in the evening. I did not go. 12th. — Had a comfortable night. Attended the Conference for a short time. Conference closed at half-past one o'clock. Many members left for home in the evening. 13th. — First-day. — Had a night in a good degree comfortable- Rode out at ten o'clock A. M. Attended meeting at eleven o'clock, the forepart of the time. Elizabeth Comstock, a Friend minister from Michigan, Joseph Haviland, Henry Rowntree, Edward Jen- kins and others present. 14th. — At Eli Johnson's. Dr. Judkins' visits me daily. Rode out to the fortifications. Rode again in the afternoon. Read proof- sheets of Minutes. 15th. — At Eli Johnson's. Very fine weather. Rode out in the city. 16th. — At Eli Johnson's. Rode over to Covington and beyond. Read proof-sheets of Minutes. A new watch. Fine weather still, but cloudy. 17th. — Monthly Meeting "at Cincinnati. I attended through 256 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1861. Meeting for ^Worship. Very rainy all day. My weight to- day is one hundred and twenty-two pounds. Went out again in the afternoon. Eli went to St. Louis. 18th. — Rained until past midnight last night. Hannah A. rode out with me this morning. Cloudy and wet to-day. Fagged with a fine ride to Mount Auburn, this afternoon. 19th. — -Had a pleasant ride with Mary. Still very feeble, yet Dr. Judkins thinks I am some better. The first form of the Yearly Meeting minutes is being printed to-day. My dear wife came in this evening. 20th. — I rode out with Mary, then attended meeting. 21st. — At Eli Johnson's. The printing of the Yearly Meeting minutes nearly completed. 22d. — At Eli Johnson's. Eli gone to St. Louis. Rode out each day into the city. I am at work at the Annual Bible Report. 23d.— At Eli Johnson's. 24th. — Went to meeting, and staid nearly an hour. Read the proof-sheets of the Bible Report. Felt a little better than last two days. Fine weather. 25th. — At Eli's. My weight to-day is one hundred and sixteen pounds. I am not so well to-day. My wife is to go home in the morning. 26th. — My wife left early for Richmond. I am to stay a few days longer. 27th. — I went to meeting and staid part of it. First-day School Committee and Teacher's Meeting at four o'clock P. M., at White- water. 28th.— Had a very poorly day. More comfortable this evening. 29th. — Left early for Richmond. My nurse, Anthony Graines, went with me. Arrived at fifteen minutes past ten o'clock, truly thankful to get again to our own sweet home. This is one of my better days. He derived benefit while at Cincinnati, by the removal of acute pain, but there was almost a complete loss of power on the part of his stomach, and the nutrition he re- ceived from the food he could take (which was less than one quarter the allowance for a man of ordinary health), 1861.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN, 257 was not sufficient for one of his mental exertion and toil, and he returned home in a hopeless decline. He was at this time engaged in arranging articles for publication, reading proof, etc. 30th. — Very cool and blustery last night ; cloudy and gloomy this morning. I was not able to attend meeting. 31st.— Weather still cloudy, gloomy and rainy. I am a good deal poorly. Eleventh-month 1. — Dark weather. My condition about the same. I ride out a little most days. 2d. — Weighed one hundred and fifteen and a half pounds, with one coat on. Weather wet and gloomy. 3d. — Dark, cool wet weather. John Jones and Jesse T. Williams at meeting. I was not able to attend. Henry Dickinson of New York, also here. Large family meeting at C. F. C's. I could not be there. H. D. and J. T. W. present. The daily practice of light domestic exercises had been advised by his medical attendant. 4th. — Second-day. — A fine bright morning. I was exceedingly feeble yesterday. At work at gate and wood-house. 5th. — James Hunnicutt died this morning, at two o'clock, aged ninety-two years and nine months. 6th. — Funeral of James Hunnicutt, at ten o'clock A. M. I went to the meeting-house, and remained an hour. 7th. — Our dear Caroline, with Ellen, Charles, and James, the baby, came in this morning. Yery fine weather. I am very feeble. 8th. — I rode out to the college this morning, with Caroline. I have been getting off orders for new tracts. Fine weather. Took more exercise than I was able for. 9th. — Had a low night ; a little better this morning, but low. Rode out at ten o'clock. Wrote to Dr. Weed about tracts. Spent the day mostly about the house. Received a refreshing letter from L. M. Ferris. Worked some at our Bible papers. 10th. — -First-day. — Passed a more comfortable night. Cloudy this morning. I did not feel able to go to Scripture school on meeting. 258 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1861. 11th. — Our Caroline still here with us most acceptably. 12th. — About home. Very feeble ; too much so, to be out much. News this week of the taking of Beaufort, N. C. 13th. — I went to our Select Preparative Meeting, to unburden myself of two matters of concern, which I did, and soon after re- turned. 14th.— Very feeble, but I do a little correspondence nearly every day, and am able to read some, which is a great favor. Death of Elizabeth Evans, of Philadelphia, at one o'clock A. m., this morning, at Salem, N. J. 15th. — My wife and Miriam went to visit Earlham College, this morning. My stomach appears some better. My wife is sixty -four years of age to-day. In a letter to a friend, under the above date, he writes : * * * " I send a message of love and remembrance to thee; I am very feeble, scarcely able to walk, but about the house most of the day. My wife is also very infirm. I desire in everything to give thanks, and to remember with abounding gratitude the many mercies and favors which I have been, and am yet permitted to enjoy." * * * On the 19th of the month, he writes to his son W. H. C, as follows : * * * "I can take very little food, and that strictly selected. * * * " My flesh and strength have well nigh departed. I can only just walk; but when easy can get along cheerfully, and endeavor to cultivate a grateful heart to the God and Father of all our gifts, mercies and comforts." * * * To Robert and Sarah Lindsay, he writes : * * * « I trust we are in a good measure submissive to our condition, with- out any disposition to murmur; but desiring that grateful thanks may abound in our hearts from day to day, to the Author of mercies and God of all com- forts, for the many blessings and favors which we are continually allowed to be partakers of." * * * 16th. — This is one of my better days. I rode out and enjoyed it. A fine day of sunshine. 17th. — First-day. — Cloudy and gloomy. I did not feel able to go to Scripture school, or to meeting. I note my sixty-third year of age to-day. 1861.] LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. 259 18th. — A fine day. I rode out. My sister Mary sixty-nine years old. Death of David Evans. 19th. — A fine morning. Very light frosts as yet. 20th. — A fine day. I rode out. 21st. — A very fine day. Called Dr. Baer, for wife. My brother, Elisha, is eighty-two years old. 22d. — It is quite cloudy this morning. The weather is dark and stormy, with much rain and wind in the afternoon. The winter seems approaching. 23d. — A cold, blustery, stormy night. Cloudy and dark, with some snow to-day. We have some snow this evening. Very win- try, with wind. 24th. — First-day — The earth is covered with a beautiful coat of snow, two or three inches in depth, this morning, and snow still falling. Cloudy and dark. Thermometer to-day twenty-four de- grees. Over ninety students at Scripture school. A small meeting, I hear. I am in the house all day. 25th. — Still very wintry this morning, with some snow falling. My stomach appears to be better; thanks be to the Lord. Esther Hadley very low. 26th. — A fine morning. I am better. Several visitors called, among whom were Mary Charles, Abigail Symons, Dr. V. Kersey, C. Morgan and wife, Ann Lewis, Benjamin Thomas, and others. I rode out. 27th. — Rain last night. Weather milder, but snow still over the earth. Monthly Meeting. Our daughter Miriam published intentions of marriage with Hugh W. Maxwell. William H. Ladd came at eight o'clock a. m. 28th. — Cloudy this morning. Thanksgiving-day by proclama- tion of G-overnor Morton. 29th. — Rain last night; dark and cloudy this morning. Gruli- elma Hiatt, wife of Eleazar Hiatt, died at seven o'clock this morn- ing, at Chester. Esther Hadley died at three o'clock p. M. 30th. — A delightful clear morning. Thermometer nineteen de- grees. William and Caroline still with us. Tied ftli-month 1. — Cloudy, dark and some snow falling. Fune- ral of Esther Hadley at ten o'clock A. m. Funeral of Gulielma 260 LIFE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. [1861. Hiatt at ten o'clock, at Chester. I hear that at Scripture school there were over ninety, and that a large meeting followed. Though unable to walk many steps unsupported, Elijah Coffin particularly desired to attend the, funeral of Esther Hadley ; assisted into his carriage by two persons, he went to the residence of Jeremiah Hadley, and after looking at the corpse, sat a few moments with the family in silent sitting. This was nearly, it not quite, the last effort to leave his own door. 2d. — Our dear William H. Ladd, Caroline, Ellen, Charlie, and the baby James, all left us at eight o'clock a. m. for Cincinnati. A dark cloudy morning. Thermometer twelve degrees ; the cold- est of the season. I am taking more food, and enjoying it better. 3d. — Third-day. — A fine day. Thermometer twelve degrees this morning; clear. 4th. — A very fine morning. Thermometer eighteen degrees ; clear. 5th. — Another fine morning. Thermometer twenty-three de- gress. I have eaten and enjoyed a fine breakfast. 6th. — Milder. Thermometer forty-four; cloudy. Several Friends called to see me — Jabob Elliott, C. H. Moore, John Miles, John Newley. Select Quarterly Meeting. African Committee and Exe- cutive Bible Committee. 7th. — Thermometer fifty degrees; cloudy. Joseph Cox and wife, Aaron White and wife, Sarah Smith, and Nathan Parker and Francis W. Thomas called. Education Committee at nine o'clock A. M., followed by the Quarterly Meeting. Had a good meeting, I hear. Our brother and sister, Mordecai and Rhoda, came in to see me. Very feeble this evening. 8th. — First-day. — Cloudy. I enjoyed a | good breakfast this morning. Very feeble. One hundred and one scholars at Scrip- tural school, this A. M. A good meeting. Charles Reece's wife buried. 9th. — Mild and cloudy. Thermometer fifty-eight degrees. I feel much feebleness to-day: but take more food. 10th. — Delightfully clear this morning. Cooler. Thermometer twenty-six degrees. 1861.] LIFE OP ELIJAH COFFIN. 261 11th. — Delightfully clear this morning. Cooler, and thermome- ter twenty-six degrees. 12th. — A very fine morning. Thermometer sixteen degrees. The army of the United States has been constantly increased, until it is now becoming very large about Washington, Fort Monroe, Missouri, and in Kentucky, with frequent skirmishes. 13th. — Another fine morning. Thermometer eighteen degrees. Hannah Amelia White arrived. We were truly glad to receive her. 14th. — AJdelightful clear'morning. Thermometer twenty-two de- grees. Charles is gone to Spiceland Quarterly Meeting at Walnut Eidge ; Joseph Dickinson to Northern Quarterly Meeting. 15th. — First-day. — Beautifully clear this morning. Thermome- ter twenty-eight degrees, and pleasant. I have enjoyed a good breakfast, but am very feeble. I hear there were one hundred and thirty-one at Scripture school ; M. J. Fetcher in attendance. Meet- ing at Charles' well attended. I was much prostrated this evening. 16th. — Another beautiful, delightful winter morning. Thermo- meter twenty degrees. Hannah Amelia left us at forty-five minutes past seven this morning. Her visit had been truly agreeable. 17th. — Another beautiful morning. Thermometer twenty-four degrees. J. J. Kenworthy, wife and sister came in to see me. Our daughter, Mary C. Johnson, came in, most acceptably. I am very feeble. 18th. — The weather continues most remarkably fine. Thermo- meter thirty degrees this morning. 19th. — The weather still exceedingly lovely; a little hazy. Thermometer thirty degrees. Francis W. Thomas called. 20th. — Cloudy, with some wind. Thermometer thirty-four de- gress. Mary C. Johnson left for home this morning. Up to this time Elijah Coffin had almost daily called for his pen and portfolio ; he had not entirely given up his mental toils for the welfare of others • he clung to it, " work- ing while it was day, and putting his house " thoroughly " in order." The following extract is made from the last letter written by his own hand, and addressed to his son, 262 LAST ENTRIES. W. H. C, on the above date, which gives continued evidence of his declining strength : .... I take my pen again in a feeble hand to address a few lines to thee in love and remembrance I have become so very weak that I can not easily rise or walk without assistance. ... I can take sufficient food at my breakfast, but have neither appetite nor strength of digestion for much after that, until the next morning. The weather has continued most remarkably fine for the season, more so than usual. Thy mother is much afflicted with her old complaint and neuralgia, so as to disable her from much exertion. We feel ourselves in much affliction, but I trust are preserved from the spirit of murmuring, and are desirous of considering the many comforts, consolations and blessings which are permitted to us," . . . . 21st. — Weather changed. Am very feeble — evidently weaker. Anthony Gaines, my nurse, came this evening at seven o'clock. 22d. — Cold; snow last night; ground white. Thermometer twenty-eight degrees. I feel some better to-day. Over one hun- dred at Scripture school to-day. Sick ; with a dark vomit this evening. 23d. — A cloudy, dark wintry morning, with snow. Our sister Mary L. Newby and Isaac Parker, came in to see us — most welcome. William Clawson and others called. Isaac Parker went home. 24feh. — Third-day. — Weather still dark and cloudy, with snow on" the ground. Thermometer twenty degrees. This was the last note made by Elijah Coffin : " Ere long upon The bank of that dread river, deep and broad, He stood — while glorious visions greeted his sight." The time had now come when the language "Thou shalt die and not live," was applicable to him whose daily walks we have been tracing. His own hand was now staid, and through feebleness, refused to note even a short memoranda — the labor of his pen was sealed, to remain until the " book of remembrance " is opened, to tell the story of the good it accomplished. His last memorandum LAST ENTRIES. 263 notes the advance of the chill temperature of winter — so were the chill blasts of death advancing upon him — but the unsetting Son of the world illuminated his path, and girded him with the "breast-plate of faith and love and the hope of salvation," and his calm spirit was not fluctuated at the evidences of approaching dissolution. 264 LAST DAYS AND DECEASE. CHAPTER XI. Last Days and Decease. Until within a few days of the last date, his strength had been sufficient for him early in the morning, to take a few steps from his bed to his easy chair, by clinging to something for support ; but after taking his morning meal (which rarely exceeded a tablespoonful of solid food), he soon became prostrate, and was subject to seasons of great weakness, attended with some pain, and took but little nourishment again for twenty-four hours. The disease preyed upon him in a succession of stages ; at each relapse sinking lower than the one before, and on rallying he did not again reach his former point of strength and vitality. Thus day after day he yielded ground " inch by inch/' For a time during his ill health, the nature of his disease was such, that combined with a naturally nervous tempera- ment, the imperfections of human nature were brought forth and rendered him wanting in power to keep in full subjec- tion the " natural shades " of his character. The enemy was suffered to lead him into the mountain of temptation, and buffet him with nervous irritability, which he occasion- ally manifested. He was frequent in offering " the fervent effectual prayer that availeth much ;" " get thee behind me Satan," was the language of his spirit. It is a recorded fact, that " they who seek shall find." This precious truth was touchingly verified in the experience of this dear in- valid. He who " was in all points tempted like as we are/' came " to succor ;" and the " infirmities of the flesh " were LAST DAYS AND DECEASE. 265 overcome, and the grace of God was conspicuously mani- fested. On the evening of the 24th of Twelfth-month, he sank very low, but rested pretty well during the night. The morning of the 25th, he was exceedingly prostrate. His physician came in at nine o'clock, and found him more feeble and wanting in vital energy, than he had ever been, and candidly told him that if his system could not be aroused, he could not continue long in that situation — probably not more than forty-eight hours. He received the information with perfect calmness, and, with heavenly sweetness said, " I know it to be so from my feelings." His great composure and presence of mind was beyond what those around him could command ; he immediately desired his eldest daughter to come to his bedside, and told her minutely where she would find the writing materials, and wished her to write and inform his absent children of his situation, remarking, " that they need not be taken by sur- prise." On further reflection, he concluded to have a tele- graph dispatch sent for his son William, who resided in Kansas, saying, " that the letter might be received by his family, in case his son had left home, on the summons of the telegram, before it reached its destination; and that it was his wish for him to come, whether he lived to see him or not, as he wished him for one of the executors of his estate." After giving these directions, he spent much of the day in conversation on various subjects, with one of his sons-in-law, giving frequent evidence that he was in the en- joyment of " that blessed hope, the glorious appearing of the great God." In the evening he bade a calm and most affectionate farewell to his sister M. N., who had been spend- ing a few days with him^ and could not remain longer from 18 266 LAST DAYS AND DECEASE. homo ; he spoke to her of how much they had loved each other through life, and now in his last hours it was far from being diminished ; he then desired her to give his love to many of his friends, mentioning them by name. The general state of his mind, and great prevalence of peace, were the most marked features to be observed; his faith seemed ever present with him, sure, steadfast, immov- able ; " for it was founded upon a Rock." He rallied on the 26th, and by the time his three young- est daughters had arrived, the prospect of his immediate dissolution was removed. It was the first time that any of his children had ever returned to the parental nest without being met by him at the gate, and welcomed with his ac- customed tender, affectionate greeting and folded in his arms. Long after he was enfeebled by disease, he would totter forth to meet them, on their arrival for a short visit ; but this was forever past, and now they sought him within the walls of his own apartment, and there received his happy smile, finding him as perfectly natural and like him- self, as though this life was long before him. When his son and daughter, Wm. H. and C. E. L., came to him, he clasped his arms around them and said, " I wish to bless the good name of the Lord, who so abundantly blesses me ; I feel very comfortable and happy ; I can not say that I at all times feel this special favor, but I am very peaceful, and at times he grants me especial favors, and 1 feel His love to flow through my heart. 0, may we bless and magnify His holy name !" On the 30th, he dictated the following letter to his valued friend, Thomas Evans, of Philadelphia : • My Dear Friend, Thomas Evans : — I wish to offer thee an- other, and perhaps a last salutation of brotherly love, sympathy LAST DAYS AND DECEASE. 267 and remembrance ; being now entirely confined to my room, and unable to walk, yet am mercifully exempted from so great suffering as is frequently the lot of persons afflicted by illness. My decline downward appears to have been pretty steady ; and although I have been more comfortable for two or three days past, such is my reduced condition that my spirit might take its flight at any time. Through the great kindness and love of our God, I have felt generally peaceful, and am at times permitted to experi- ence the overflowings of love, and abounding of consolation in my heart. Blessed be his good name ! I endeavor to fasten my faith and hope on our own only Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, fully believing that all depends on him, and all of mercy, for " not by works of righteousness which we have done," etc Farewell, my dear friend. Write to me, if thou canst feel like doing so.* Salute for me thy dear wife and son [naming several friends], and any others who may inquire. Grace, mercy and peace from God our Father, be with thee and thine, and with our friends thereaway. Elijah Coffin. On the 1st of First-month 1862, the second marriage of his eldest daughter took place. It was an event to which Elijah Coffin had looked with great interest, and had desired that it might be accomplished before " his depart- ure." He insisted that it should not be deferred on ac- count of his declining state and apparently near approach to death, and wished that none of the family should remain with him during the time of the meeting. On the return of the married pair from the meeting, they repaired imme- diately to his chamber ; he gave them a cordial, glowing welcome, took them both in his arms and kissed them most affectionately, and said, " that he wished the choice bless- ings of Heaven might rest upon them — that they might spend a useful and happy life together — that his last * Thomas Evans was in very feeble health. 268 LAST DAYS AND DECEASE. earthly wish had been granted, in being permitted to see this day ; and now, if his son William (his only absent child) should come, it would be all he could ask." He had heretofore declined to have watchers with him at night, as he could take no medicines to be administered, and his wife and nurse not quitting his chamber either day or night, they gave him every needful attendance, resting between times. On the evening of the 1st, he said, that " in consideration of his weakness and uncertainty of life having become so great, he thought it was best to have some one to sit by his bedside," and named the friends whom he thought would be willing to aid in the service, wishing to divide the time in a way that no one person might be fatigued or exposed. His son C. F. C, watched with him first. During the night he was wakeful, and near midnight entered into a pleasant conversation ; gave direc- tions about his library, desiring " it preserved for the use and reference of his children and grandchildren during the life of his wife ; and at her death, to be divided among his children." He spoke of his labors in the cause of educa- tion, of Sabbath schools, the Bible and Tract Societies, etc., and alluded particularly to his labor in connection with Earlham College ; of his iC often going there through cold and heat, storm and rain, to lecture — to the committee meetings, etc., when he was weak and in poor health," as "having been prompted by his love for Christ"— that he " could not now in looking back, think of any other mo- tive that influenced him to do such labors ;" and now, says he, " in the retrospect they afford me unqualified satisfac- tion, but I do not feel that they afford any hope for sal- vation." His " only hope was through the precious blood cf Christ." He then spoke beautifully and fully of it, LAST DAYS AND DECEASE. 269 saying " some object to set value by it — I" look for salva- tion by none other — prefigured by . the sacrifices of the law and by the whole old dispensation, it is not our business to inquire, why we are thus saved, but thankfully to accept the proffered boon in humility and confidence." He desired his son to deliver to the Sabbath school, of which he was superintendent, u an especial message of love to the officers, teachers and students, individually," adding, " that his long-continued interest in the cause of Scriptural instruction and Sabbath schools, was unabated to. the last ; and those with whom he was more immediately connected in these labors, he continued especially to love with ardent affection.' ' In speaking of the Meeting for Sufferings, of which he had been a member for thirty-three years, he said " his heart was nearly united in love to all its members, and he wished a message of it communicated to them ; also to the various committees with which he was connected, and to the officers and teachers of Earlham College." During the same night he said to his son, " If I could speak to the assembled multitude to do the last solemn rites for me at my funeral, I would proclaim to the utmost extent of my voice, ' Glory to God in the highest ! Praise the name of the Lord.' " His tenacity of life was so great that his days were pro- longed beyond what any who saw him could account for? and he was held to earth, until time w 7 ore away into a month. His spells of sinking and reviving continued, and it often appeared as though sunken human nature could endure no longer, and the " sorrowing band " were many times gathered to his bedside, to witness the lamp of life expire ; though he always spoke himself of having " no premonitions of the near approach of death. ,, 270 LAST DAYS AND DECEASE. He bore ample testimony to the value and efficacy of prayer, and to the fact, that God hears and answers the prayers of those who seek him ; speaking feelingly of the precious blood of Christ, as washing away all sin ; and it was very frequent that " his soul drew near to the Lord," in his rich daily experience of his Saviour's love. On one of these occasions he supplicated in a striking manner, for himself and his wife separately, and then for their children ; and during the greater part of one night, he poured forth a remarkable strain of thanksgiving and praise. Naturally possessing acute nervous sensibilities, his suf- ferings were at times severe, and therefore more keenly felt, than is the case with most persons ; but he bore them with a remarkable degree of patience, and without com- plaint. He was but an emaciated skeleton, and the distress arising from the fleshless condition of his body, appeared the cause of more suffering, than that which proceeded from the part more particularly affected. The nature of the disease previous to this, had at times subjected him to depression of spirits ; then, again, he would be quite cheer- ful, but as it is said of one, who some years before preceded him into eternity, "at no time could the chord of religion be touched, but it immediately vibrated." He often gave utterance to expressions of thankfulness, that he was not permitted to be troubled with doubts and fears ; his faith in the efficacy and all-sufficiency of the atoning blood of Christ never wavering, even amid the darkest scenes of suffering, and those who were privileged to attend him, were indeed witnesses that he was " kept by the power of God, through faith unto salvation." His mental capacities, instead of being weakened with the weakness of the body, seemed made the brighter as im- LAST DAYS AND DECEASE. 271 mortal glories opened to him, and he neared that rest, for which he each day gave such full evidences, he was so emi- nently fitted to enter. His son, Wm. H. C, arrived on the 3d of First-month. He was much overjoyed at seeing him, and clasping his arms about his neck, said, u Now my last prayer in reference to the things of this earth, is answered." After this he had no prayer in regard to the things of time, excepting for a u quiet and easy departure ;" thanksgiving and praise com- prising the greater part of what he said. The language was particularly applicable to him : " Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace." All his children were now gathered near him to catch the droppings from his dying lips, and administer to his comfort as best they could, and he very many times expressed the comfort it gave him, to have them with him, and spoke of it as " one of the Divine favors for which he felt thankful," and it was a privilege for which they can not be sufficiently grateful. His prostration continued to advance each day, and about two weeks before his close, he ceased to take any solid food ; his only subsistence being the nutriment derived irom an occasional spoonful of nourishing liquid. His mind beings delightfully quiet and peaceful, his indi- viduality was preserved to his latest hour, and his distin- guishing characteristics remained the same ; and whenever his prostration was not too great, he took an interest in whatever was going on both within and without. He re- called to mind the kindness of one who was once a faithful female servant in the household, and though she had not been in employ for nearly four years, he wished her sent for, and brought to his bedside, expressed to her his grateful remembrance of her services, and testified his re- 272 LAST DAYS AND DECEASE. gard by making her a present. He did not omit to avow his obligations to those then in service, in the same manner; nor did he ever receive from them the smallest attention, without a grateful expression and nod of the head. He had ample time to give directions concerning his domestic and common engagements, and made all his arrangements for departing, even to the minutest particulars, with the calmness of one preparing for a journey. He gave all his wishes concerning the care of his body after death ; named the friend he wished to assist his nurse in preparing it for burial ; gave directions as to how he should be clothed, etc. He was interested that a family lot might be secured in a piece of ground which was about being appropriated for cemetry purposes, and requested that his estate should be at a part of the expense ; and he often spoke of the neatness and order of the Moravian cemetry, which he had j visited in North Carolina, the year previous, of their manner of in- terment, and of the simple, plain tombstones, as a model which he Jesired to have followed when his demise should take place. These requests were complied with by his family as nearly as practicable. He often alluded to the various religious engagements in which he had taken an active part, and said, " they afforded him comfort in the retrospect, 1 ' and his interest continued as alive in the Bible, Tract, and other objects of a similar nature, as it had done when in health, and was unabated to the last ; he frequently inquired of the progress of these works, but in conversing upon these subjects, he repeated over and over again, that " it was not by works of right- eousness which he had done, but by the mercy of God, through Jesus Christ our Lord, that he looked for salva- tion." He spoke of " his love for Christ, constraining him LAST DAYS AND DECEASE. 273 to feel a continued interest in all labors which tended to promote his kingdom among men," saying, " if time to him should be but for an hour, he could not but feel just the same interest that he had done." He evinced this practically, by having subscriptions forwarded for the Mis- sionary Herald, and some other religious periodicals of the same character ; and when they came to hand, he desired them, with the Reports of Foreign Missions, read each day to him, that he might keep informed of the general spread of Christianity in different parts of the earth. At one time he said, that " in reviewing his past life, he felt that he had not at all times spoken for his Saviour when it would have been proper for him to have done so ; that in his self-examinations, he had often searched to see whether he was called to the ministry, but after carefully and prayerfully doing so, he had concluded years since. that his religious labors run in another channel, and that this had caused him to be too backward in speaking in public assemblies of his Saviour ; he wished all to do their duty in this respect, as he felt that he had suffered a loss for not more fully doing his." He did not feel in his retrospect of life that its pilgrim- age journey had been a " dreary waste," a " gloomy past ;" and that misery exceeds happiness here below ; he had been (i diligent in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord ;" and now as he turned back the pages of the past, he saw in its review that "goodness and mercy had followed him all the days of his life ;" and in reference to this he said many times, " This world is a beautiful one, and has been a joyous one to me, and I have no anxiety to leave it ; but feel ready at my Master's will, and have full faith that the transition will be to one of unspeakable glory." 274 LAST DAYS AND DECEASE. It was oftentimes very touching to witness the manifes- tations of love and sympathy of his numerous friends who visited him. There are sorrows which do not find utterance in words. The touching conduct of the friends of Job, is a beautiful illustration of this. Many came, who, like them, were so overcome at his altered appearance, and the un- mistakable evidences that weeks and days were no longer his, that they u wept " and " sat down with him, and spake not a word." The different members of his family will ever hold them in grateful remembrance. Once after his voice had grown so faint that he could not speak audibly, he whispered in the ear of one of his sons, " say to those in the room that my heart is full, and if my voice would admit of it, I could pray and utter praises aloud." Through- out his illness his heart overflowed with gratitude at the kindness of his friends, and it was affecting to observe his unwillingness that any should go away without being ad- mitted into his chamber, which was often the case, for dur- ing the last month, so numerous were the calls, and so slender was the " silver chord " of life, that it was impos- sible to gratify all with seeing him, without danger of pro- ducing serious results. We can not enter into a detailed account of all that he said ; there was much that we can not repeat. His short addresses and private counsels both to his family and friends, will not be lost in the memories of those who re- ceived them ; he many times expressed regrets that his bodily weakness was so great that it would not admit of more religious communion with them ; it was when dwell- ing upon this, that he gave the touching message to be delivered at his funeral. He would clasp his arms about the necks of those with whom he had been associated in LAST DAYS AND DECEASE. 275 religious and social circles, and in the sweetest manner give such parting salutations and affectionate leave-takings, kissing them repeatedly with child-like affection, that none present could restrain their tears. He almost daily said to his friends of all denominations, that " if they felt the spirit of prayer, he hoped they would not withhold," and almost as often, prayer flowed through his chamber. lie entertained a warm affection for Christians of other denominations, and as he had ever been ready to co-operate with them in the advancement of the Redeemer's kingdom, the feeling grew upon him to the last. Among his last utterances, he said: "I love all those who love the Lord Jesus Christ, because they love him." Many of the sweetest seasons of his social religious communion, during these last days, were with " his brethren " not in religious member- ship with himself. To one, whose association and affection- ate interest he very much prized, and who several times visited him, he spoke of " the constant and great peace he enjoyed ; that he knew not what was before him, and had no premonition of the time when he would be called to ex- change worlds ; but that his friends would some morning hear that he was gone ; that persons in his condition were frequently troubled with doubts and fears ; but this was not the case with him ; all was well ; he enjoyed a strong sweet peace, and confidence in God." The same visitor, in relating an account of one of his visits to Elijah Coffin, in company with a fellow church-member, says : " His lan- guage reminded me of that used by the Psalmist, when he said, ' when my mind was stayed upon the Lord, my soul was kept in perfect peace, because I trusted in him ;' that he seemed greatly to rejoice in the blessed hope of a glorious immortality, which he most fully believed in ; and this, said he, with strong emphasis, ( is not because of any merit 276 LAST DAYS AND DECEASE. of my own, not by works of righteousness that I have done,- but by faith in our Lord Jesus Christ ;' claiming to be saved by grace, through faith in the atonement, through the blood in Christ, ' in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins,' and a blessed hope of everlasting life. While with him, he said to us, that if either of us felt like exercising in prayer or exhortation, it would be very ac- ceptable both to himself and his family. We knelt by his side, and while petitioning the Throne of Grace, he seemed fervently engaged, and taking hold of my hand, pressed it warmly, and at the close responded with a hearty amen ! I truly felt that his sick chamber was a most heavenly place, and that we did there indeed ' sit together in heav- enly places in Christ Jesus;' and, while engaging in prayer, that I realized ' Heaven came down our souls to greet, ■ While glory crowned the mercy seat.' u On saying that I must leave him and go to our meet- ing (love feast), he spoke to me of his great love for all true followers of our Saviour ; how near to his heart were all such of every name, of the Christian fellowship and pleasure it had been to him to enjoy an acquaintance with many members of our church, and that he warmly greeted them as followers of one common Lord, and wished to be kindly remembered to them all on that occasion. In com- pliance with his request, I spoke in the meeting of my visit, stating that I had just left him, a dear friend, whom we all knew and loved, and was now nearing the gates of death ; that he who was yet among us, would perhaps, in a few hours, be treading the gold-paved streets, with the white-robed and sanctified above, and looking away from the ' valley of the shadow of death,' he warmly greeted them, and bid them God-speed." LAST DAYS AND DECEASE. 277 Near the close of the meeting, Rev. A. Eddy, the pre- siding elder, reverted to what had been said, and spoke of his personal intercourse with him, and called upon the meeting to notice "that when Elijah Coffin was taken away, a great shining light would be gone from our midst, and taken from the moral and spiritual world ; that they ought to be thankful that they had had that light for a season, and also how we should strive to profit thereby, and emulate his noble Christian example." After his decease, the same friend of the family says : "I am glad that it was for a short time my privilege to enjoy communion and Christian fellowship with your ex- cellent parent. I shall ever remember with grateful feelings his affectionate Christian kindness in all our intercourse ; 'let me die the death of the righteous — let my last end be like his.' " One day, a dear Christian lady, on coming from his chamber, exclaimed : " What a glorious state he is in ! — all ready and standing on the banks of deliverance !" He had had some sweet conversation with her, but had* for- gotten, when she left his room, to make his usual request of her, which he asked of almost all who visited him, "to pray for him, that he might have a quiet and easy departure," and he sent a daughter hurriedly to overtake her, and re- quest her to remember him in her prayers to this effect. The occasion of this oft-repeated request, undoubtedly, arose from a strong natural fear of the dying struggle; for while "there was no doubt resting upon his future," he had the same timid shrinking from the final passage which is common to all human nature. It may be counted as an especial blessing that he had no premonition of the time when he would " take his flight," and that he was enabled cheerfully to "hope and quietly wait;" for when the con- 278 LAST DAYS AND DECEASE. flict came, he was most gently dealt with, and the King of Terrors was disarmed of his sting. One of the incidents of his last lingering days was his manifested love for singing. He had long been an ardent lover of hymns and religious poetry, and during the last year of his life this greatly increased; he would frequently repeat portions of such selections as he was particularly partial to, and for a few months before his decease, he almost daily requested his wife to read alternate verses from the Union Prayer Meeting Hymns, of such portions as he especially enjoyed. His sentiments in reference to singing were the same as held by the early members of the Society of Friends, and expressed by Robert Barclay, " that we confess it to be a part of God's worship, and very sweet and refreshing when it proceeds from a true sense of God's love in the heart ;" and as the close of his days drew nigh, and he was more fully prepared for another sphere, he many times requested his two youngest daugh- ters to sing to him — generally making the selection of hymns himself. On one occasion he asked them to sing the hymn " There is a fountain filled with blood." While they sang together, his uplifted countenance gave evidence that he felt the words to be particularly expressive of his feelings. At another time he was melted with ten- derness and emotion, when they had sung for him his favorite hymn : "How sweet the name of Jesus sounds In a believer's car! It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds, And drives away his fear. " It makes the wounded spirit whole, And calms the tr<>u ! led breast; 'Tis manna to the hungry soul, And to the weary, rest. LAST DAYS AND DECEASE. 279 " Dear name! the rock on which I build — My shield and hiding-place; My never-failing treasury, rilled With boundless stores of grace. " Weak is the effort of my heart, And cold my warmest thoughts; But when I see thee as thou art, I '11 praise thee as I ought. " Till then I would thy love proclaim With every fleeting breath; And may the music of thy name Refresh my soul in deaih." On Third-day afternoon, the 21st of First-month, be. tween five and six o'clock in the evening, he passed through two paroxysms of intense suffering, attended with acute pain and difficulty of breathing. After these had passed over, he continued for several hours in much physical anguish, unable to rest in any position, and he could not be changed without an increase of his distress, as the nervous sensibility of his now fleshless frame was extreme. For several days his stomach had been powerless to receive nourishment, and no alleviating medicines could be given to control the suffering. Through this trying dispensation there was not a melancholy utterance of impatience or com- plaint ; but, with his mind retaining its perfect vigor, he bore it, "waiting to be delivered." It was the great struggle between life and death — the dividing asunder of soul and body. On one of his sons repeating to him the text, " Though I walk through the valley and shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me," he gave an expressive look, and responded by nodding his head. He frequently inquired whether it was thought he was dying, and said: "It would be a great comfort to him now to depart and be with Christ.'' He had, during his last week, frequently expressed this wish, and several times 280 LAST DAYS AND DECEASE. asked his family, "If they could not unite with him in prayer, that he might be released." A medical attendant coming into his^room about eight o'clock in the evening, he inquired of him in reference of some external applica- tion for the relief of his agony, and asked him to sit by him until he died. At midnight it appeared as though his summons had come ; his extremities grew cold, and his breathing short and labored. He asked again if he were not dying, and being told by a friend who had remained with him, that he thought he would soon exchange this suffering tabernacle for one of those glorious mansions prepared by our Lord for those who love him, he replied : " 0, yes ! I know it, but there may be further suffering yet." Soon after this, his attendants were changing his position, when he at once remarked : " There, you have it. How delightful I feel ! So comfortable ! I have all the time believed there would be a season of rest for me between these terrible struggles and my final release, and now I am in it. Bless the good name of the Lord for it !" Placing his hand on the seat of acute pain, he said : " I do not feel that it is cured, but it is removed. I believe the pain of death will now be taken away, and that I shall depart quietly and easily." He did not appear to suffer after this, though he became restless toward morning, and about five o'clock A. M., on being asked if he was in pain, he answered : "Not in pain, but I feel very weak, and an uncomfortable sensation." He had entered the swelling tide of the dark river, and find- ing the everlasting arms and the sure rock underneath, and the "rod and the staff" of Him who once passed through, for his support, the sting of death was so far re- moved from hiin, that he could hardly distinguish himself that he was passing "over to the other side," and that the THE DECEASE. 281 time of his departure had come. With a pleasant smile he looked up, not three hours before his close, and said : " I can not tell from my own feelings that I am dying ; I feel quite bright." He was perfectly rational, and calmly marked the pro- gress of dissolution going on within his frame, asking frequently of those around him, " How long they thought he would last." Thirty minutes before his close, he again inquired of his son-in-law how long he would probably live, saying : " I should be very glad to be released." Being told he thought it would not be long, he replied : " I love you all very much, and feel grateful to you for your kind- ness to me ;" and his testimony of affection and grateful- ness was closed upon earth forever. He afterward asked to be raised in a reclining position. Not ten minutes before his close, he gave one of his sons a bright look of recognition by his usual nod of the head — then there sat upon his countenance an expression of calm joy, and his breath grew .softer and fainter, until twenty minutes past eight a. m. it died away, without a sigh or a struggle. " How blest tlve righteous when he dies' When sinks a weary soul to rest, How mildly beam the closing eyes, How gently heaves the expiring breast!'* Not a contraction of a muscle indicated the slightest suffering— the victory was won over the last enemy — his prayers for a quiet and easy departure were mercifully answered ; setting another seal to the promise, * Whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do." Infinite Mercy presided over those solemn moments — the * promised Com- forter ' was there. "Well might the wail of earthly woe be hushed." 18 282 SWEKAL. 6 Tears befit earth's partings f but the voice of .lamenta- tion was not heard, "amid the ' holy quiet ' which ' reigned around/ as his unfettered soul entered its eternal home of " unspeakable glory/' which had been its joy to anticipate, and to receive that which the Lord bath promised to them that love him— even the " crown of life." Thus 'he was gathered unto his people/ like Jacob of old, with his intellect bright, and in the bosom of his fam- ily. He had fallen asleep amid an earthly career of use- fulness and self-denying exertion, for the benefit of his fel- low-men. " Well done thou good and faithful servant, en- ter thou into the joy of thy Lord." The day for the funeral was fixed on Sixth-day morn- ing, the 24th of First-month, 1862. It was the first interment in a newly purchased cemetery, adjoining the grounds of Earlham College, and bearing its name. Says one : " It is most fitting that his last resting place should be so near the scenes in which he was wont to participate with such interest. That ' lone grave ' will receive many a pilgrim visit from teacher and student of Earlham." A citizen was requested to call upon the family and in- formed them that his death was felt as an afflictive public bereavement, and as a token of the estimation in which the departed was held, many citizens proposed that the places of business, in the streets through which the procession should pass, might be closed, should the proposition prove acceptable to them. It was most gratifying to receive so substantial a proof that he was thus revered by the inhab- itants of the town who knew him, and that they were ready to so honor the deceased ; but the surviving relatives not wishing for any unnecessary ostentation to be made in the manner of performing the last solemn service, did not ad- vise that a united action of the citizens should be taken j FUNERAL. 283 but left them to act in the matter as they deemed best ; and many of the closed windows of the houses and shops in the line of the procession, gave memorable evidence of the affectionate esteem and high regard in which Elijah Coffin was held. The interment was attended by a great concourse of peo- ple from all parts of the county, in which he resided, of all classes, and almost every religious denomination. One of the public papers, in a notice of it, spoke of it as being the largest, but one, that ever had taken place in that city. Previous to the time for the funeral, the family, with a few particular friends, sat for an hour in private, around the precious remains. Several short addresses were made, which were touchiugly applicable to so sacred a moment ; then they took their last sad parting, " To'yield the precious gift to the silent grave." After which the remains were taken to Friends' meeting- house, and a Meeting for Religious Worship w T as held. When all were convened, and a perfound silence prevailed, his son Charles arose, and in a clear impressive manner transmitted the following message, which his beloved father had requested him to deliver on that occasion : "That he wished it communicated to the Church of which he was a member, to other personal friends and to a large number of acquaintances, that his heart overflowed with love to them ; that he would have rejoiced to have had some religious conversation with them, individually, during his illness ; but was unable, from extreme bodily weakness to see many of them, or to have all that religi- ous intercourse with them which he desired to have had — 284 FUNERAL. that his heart was filled with love to them, and to his fel- low-men." C. F. C added, " on another occasion he said, if he could speak to the assembled multitude to do the last solemn rites for him at his funeral, he would pro- claim to the utmost extent of his voice, i Glory to God in the highest.' ' Praise the name of the Lord.' ' The ' clay tenement ' was then in the midst of the " as- sembled multitude," and when his dying message fell upon their ears, as though 'he being dead, yet speaketh,' it did not fail to produce a solemn impression. Several appropriate discourses were offered, and the re- mains were followed to the cemetery by a procession of about one hundred and twenty private carriages, accompanied by quite a number on horseback, and some on foot, who of their own accord assembled to pay the last tribute of affec- tionate respect to his memory. The students of Earlham College also walked to the spot. A short discourse and an impressive prayer were offered at the last resting-place, and the sad mourners dispersed. It is written, " Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord, that they may rest from their labors ; and their works do follow them." Christ also beautifully unfolded to us, on the illustrious occasion when he visited the " house of grief/' that they shall live again : " I am the resurrection and the life ; he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live." REMINISCENCE OF ELIJAH COFFIN. BY HIS SON CHARLES F. COFFIN. He being dead, yet speaketh.' My beloved father and myself were closely associated in life. In addition to the natural ties "which bound us together, I waa taken from school at an early age (when about thirteen), and brought up in business under his immediate care. I was his asso- ciate and companion, and was frequently called upon to render him assistance in carrying forward his various religious engagements. Perhaps no other person, except my dear mother, had better op- portunity thoroughly to know him. Of an open and confiding disposition, he had few secrets to which I had not access. I loved him with a deep and ardent affection. I venerate his memory, and feel a pleasure in preparing the following sketch for the benefit of his children and grandchildren. It may be that the effect of his example and good works will be felt to a later generation. In the preparation of this sketch, I have confined myself almost wholly to matters within my own recollection. Many things might be said of his early life, but of this his own short account must suffice. Of his last sickness and death — a period never to be forgotten by those who had the privilege of being with him — I have left the preparation of the account to that loved sister who prepared his Journal for the press. The following reminiscence is written with freedom and fullness, for the family ; much more so than it would have been if intended for niore/general circulation. I feel it to have been a blessing, and a privilege to have had such a father, and desire for 'myself, and for all his descendants, that we may emulate his example, and above all, be partakers of like precious faith, so that we too may be made meet to be partakers with the saints in glory. C. F. C Eleventh-month. 1862. REMINISCENCE OF MY FATHER. BY CHARLES F. COFFIN. My beloved father was an active, sprightly man, full six feet high, spare, and weighing about one hundred and fifty pounds ; very erect, neat in his personal habits and appearance, of nerv- ous temperament, and very active mind, full of original concep- tions, and apt to carry out what he undertook. With a health- ful, but delicate organization; easily overcome and made sick, unequal to great exposure, or to irregularity in food, sleep, etc. Of extreme cautiousness in all pecuniary enterprises, of very ex- act, methodical and careful habit, " having a place for everything, and keeping everything in its place;" of good mechanical taste, and skill sufficient to enable him to do a little job of repairing or improvement about the house, or to make almost any small needful article. Naturally of excitable temper, and easily pro- voked, which was much restrained by Divine grace, giving him a benignant and sweet expression of countenance, generally meeting you with a smile; affable and courteous; diligent in business and constant in his application to some useful object ; taking great delight in literary pursuits. These characteristics never failed him. His strength, until his final sickness, remained near the same. His hair had become somewhat gray, but his tall, erect, manly form continued to be quite marked, and his step active and elastic. His opportunities for early education were not good, but his in- domitable perseverance and great thirst for knowledge had enabled him to make amends for this. I have often heard him speak of study- ing grammar while plowing, leaving his book in the fence corners while he crossed the field and returned; and occupying every spare moment, morning, noon and night, in reading and study. By this means he acquired a good English education early in life, and was quite superior to most of those around him in literary acquire- ments. He commenced teaching school when arrived at the age REMINISCENCE. 287 of about nineteen, and continued in that employment, with some intermissions, until several years after his marriage. My parents removed to Indiana in the Ninth-month, 1824. They sold their small farm in North Carolina, at a low price, and when they arrived in this State, had a horse, a small amount of household property, and about two hundred and fifty dollars in money. They first settled in a small cabin on the banks of the west fork of White- water, near where the canal mills, in the village of Milton, now stand. I have often heard them speak of the loneliness they felt in finding themselves strangers in a strange land ; all around them were new settlers, with but few of the comforts of life, which could not at the time be readily procured; and having to labor severely in clearing of the trees, opening farms, and preparing themselves homes. The first five months were spent in a log cabin about twenty feet square, with no window and but one door ; the only opportu- nity to read during the long winter evenings, being by the light of a large wood fire. It appeared to be a poor place for the cultiva- tion of education, intelligence and refinement. But the country was fertile and promising, emigration was setting rapidly in, many of the new settlers being members of our religious Society — kind- ness and hopitality prevailed. Of course, in such a chaotic con- dition of civil and religious society, an active-minded man like my dear father, found an ample field of labor, and was soon known as a useful and influential man, both in the public and in his own religi- ous Society. But there were hardships connected with the early settlement, to which his bodily strength was scarcely equal, and he was soon attacked with fever, which confined him to his house for six weeks. Lacking all the comforts requisite for a protracted case of sickness, feeble and emaciated, it is not surprising that he felt greatly discouraged, and often looked back with an anxious wish to his native land. But he had left that from conscientious mo- tives, and bravely meeting the troubles he encountered, he main- tained his position where he had selected a home. He purchased about forty acres of fertile land, erected a comfortable log dwelling thereon, and opened a school, in which many persons who are now past middle-age obtained their earliest education. He continued teaching until the year 1828 ; and there has always existed between him and his scholars of that period, many of whom are now the 288 REMINISCENCE. most useful of citizens and members of our religious Society, a boncU of affection which nothing ever severed. As a teacher, he was thorough and efficient, quite in advance of most teachers around, him. He mingled freely with his scholars,, and joined in their sports, the liveliest of the lively; few could exceed him in the race, the game of ball, or other manly sports. He ruled by kindness; but maintained excellent order, and trained his scholars to unqualified obedience. The writer's first school- days were spent under my beloved father, and he still recollects the enthusiastic interest the teacher felt in all his scholars, and how earnestly he devoted himself to their improvement; how kind, loving and popular he was ; and how thoroughly he taught them in such branches as he undertook to teach. He often spoke of the time he spent in teaching as having been profitable to him. The occupation gave him a thoroughness in education, and a critical care in composition, penmanship, etc., which were, in after life, eminently useful to him. But, more than all, it gave him a knowl- edge of the wants of the young, and caused that fellow feeling and sympathy with them which, in after years, made every young person who approached him meet thaihearty welcome and cordial greeting which so much attached that class to him. To his experience during these years may also* be traced the earnest interest he always afterward took in the cause of education, both in the public and in his own religious Society. He was ever afterward a friend of a public system of education, and in his own Yearly Meeting few labored so long, so earnestly and so faithfully for "the guarded religious and literary education " of the children and young people. ♦ About this period of his life, he served for a long time as clerk of the Monthly and Quarterly Meetings of which he was a mem- ber, and in other positions where he could be useful to the church. Love for Christ, although not so thoroughly developed as in after years, was even now the moving" cause in his life, and led him to earnest labor in the church, and otherwise for the advancement of His kingdom among men. That love for the Holy Scriptures, which led him in after years to do so much for their spread among men, was at this period made more apparent to those around him. He had them read daily and used as a class-book in his school when it was not generally practiced. The instruction received in 'reminiscence. 289 them in his school was blessed to many of his scholars, and he ever remained a warm advocate for their use in common schools. Among the earliest and most vivid recollections of the writer, are his father taking him upon his knees, and narrating, in a simple but truthful and impressive manner, Bible stories and inci- dents. While teaching others, he neglected not his own family, but commenced with their earliest years to instruct his children from the Holy Scriptures, and as soon as they were old enough, almost daily he required them to read portions of the Holy Scrip- tures, and answer questions upon them. He introduced, too, about this period (in the year 1828), the practice of daily reading a portion of the Holy Scriptures in his family, in a collective capacity-, with a devotional pause. It was a new practice among Friends in this country at that time, and, although recommended by the Yearly Meeting in 1827, it was looked upon with suspicion by some, and treated with ridicule by others ; but he " cared for none of these things,'' but persevered with earnestness in the prac- tice as long as he lived. He made it an invariable rule, that not only his own children, but all his household, including those in his employ, or temporarily sojourning with him, should be present on these occasions; and his children all look back to them as a marked feature in the family, and as having exerted a very useful influence. He often recurred to the labors of Thomas Shillito, at the Yearly Meeting in 1828, as having been blessed to him in strengthening his good resolutions, in this and other particulars, and leading him to do with earnestness what he conceived to be his religious duty? and to strengthen and confirm^a trait which had ever been promi- nent in his character of carrying out good designs, and putting into practical execution what seemed to him likely to be useful. In the year 1827, although then a young man, less than twenty- nine years of age, he was appointed^clerk of Indiana Yearly Meet- ing, a position he continued to fill for thirty-one years ; never dur- ing that time missing a single sitting of the Yearly Meeting. It was during a time of great commotion in the Society. The loose habits of the early settlers in the west, and their lack of education, led them to give but little attention to the Holy Scriptures ; to treat with great disregard the Sabbath day; and to many irreligious practices. Friends partook to a great extent of the spirit of thoso around them, and a disregard for religion and gradually practicaj 290 REMINISCENCE. infidelity began to develop itself in the Society. With a light esteem for the Holy Scriptures there soon grew up a disregard for the Saviour, and a disbelief in his outward appearance among men. Unitarianism in its worst form, began to develop itself in the So- ciety. Some preachers boldly declared in their sermons that the outward blood shed upon Calvary was of no efficacy in the salva- tion of sinners, and many others showed a great lack of knowledge of the truths of the gospel. A fearful avalanche was gathering. So subtly did the enemy work that many goodly persons were drawn into his net. Under pretense of being taught by the Spirit only, the study of the Scrip- tures was discarded by many, and considered highly improper, as tending to fill the mind with ideas taught by man, instead of being enlighted by the Holy Spirit. My dear father's thorough study of the Holy Scriptures (a practice which he did not hesitate to urge by word and example), lead him readily to discover the heresy, and to see into what such views would lead. His voice and his pen were earnestly used against it. He labored much for the cause of his Lord and Saviour. His earnestness, and the prominent position he occupied in the church, made him an especial subject of attack. But he cast his care upon the Lord, and the Lord sustained him. He continued to maintain, with unflinching earnestness, the doc- trines of the gospel, as laid down in the Holy Scriptures, even when it led to the sundering of some very near personal ties. He expe- rienced then the truth that while on this earth the Christian is in the militant church, and must expect to endure perils by false brethern. He learned too that confiding trust in God which ever after marked his character, and rendered him fearless of what man could do, and made him so comforting an adviser to those who were in trouble. The firm stand taken by himself, and other Friends no doubt, under the blessing of God, saved Indiana Yearly Meeting from so fearful a separation as occurred in some other places. The small body who withdrew from it and established another Yearly Meeting at Waynesville, Ohio, in 1828, made but little impression upon the main body, so far as numbers were concerned. But there yet remained in the Society much of a libertine element, and many loose views which made further labor, and constant watchfulness and prayer necessary on the part of those who loved the Truth. The evil effects which had grown out of a neglect of these points REMINISCENCE. 291 being so apparent, a more earnest interest grew up in the Yearly- Meeting, "for the guarded religious and literary education of the rising generation w,ithin its borders " (in which my dear father took an active interest), and also in the more general reading of the Holy Scriptures ; both of which subjects were very fully alluded to in the minutes of nearly every Yearly Meeting after this time, and have continued to occupy a considerable share of the time and attention of that body. In the year 1828, my dear father gave up the employment of teaching and embarked in the mercantile business, in a small way, in the village of Milton. In engaging in new business he felt the necessity for great watchfulness and care, lest he should by any im- prudent step bring dishonor upon the cause of Truth. He set out with the most scrupulous sense of the obligation of contracts, and with a determination to make no engagements which he could not promptly meet; to observe strict integrity and justice in his deal- ings ; and in every respect to do as he would be done by. How faithfully he carried out these religious duties, those with whom he had business intercourse will abundantly testify. Indeed, so suc- cessful was he that no one throughout his life, and through varied and extensive business, ventured to raise even a suspicion against his integrity. His whole course through life was conformable to the same rules ; and in after years, when engaged in more enlarged business, he never swerved from the principles upon which he first set out. Holding that we owe to God all our blessings, and that god- liness is profitable for all things, having the promise of the life that now is as well as that which is to come, he made it a rule of his life not to let his business interfere with his religious engagements, but to seek first the kingdom of God, with the full assurance that all things necessary would be added thereto. He often, in later life, bore testimony to the truthfulness of this position, and to the fact that God had abundantly fulfilled His promise, and added His blessing. He was favored with a good share of success in his busi- ness, and was soon able to enjoy much more of the comforts of life than he had previously done. Of warm domestic feelings and great attachment to his family, he did not permit his business cares to withdraw him from a proper association with and care over his children. He attended closely and personally to their literary as well as religious instruction, made himself their companion, and 292 REMINISCENCE. partook of their little joys and sorrows, and at the same time re- quired unqualified obedience to his commands, so that they can not now look back and see any period of their life in which they lacked his watchful care and oversight. Notwithstanding a great accumu- lation of religious engagements he ever believed it to be his duty *o be diligent in business, and in whatever he was engaged to do it with his might; hence he gave strict attention to business, both when engaged for himself and when in the employ of others, and by his habits of system and order, by diligent application, and the concentration of his mind upon the point before it, he was able to accomplish much during his life. In the year 1828, he was appointed a member of the Meeting for Sufferings, and during the remainder of his life continued to feel a warm interest in that body, and to take an active part in its pro- ceedings, rarely ever missing a sitting of the meeting. He was warmly attached to its members individually, and during his last illness sent them a message of his continued love and interests His earnest interest in the guarded religious and literary educa- tion of the youth of his own religious Society, led him to advocate at an early date the establishment of a Boarding School, under the care of the Yearly Meeting. A proposition of this kind was for- warded from Whitewater Quarterly Meeting to the Yearly Meet- ing in 1832, and the committee to whom it was referred made a favorable report (which was signed by my dear father), in which they say, "we are united in the belief that the establishment of an institution, to be under the direction of the Yearly Meeting for the religious and guarded education of the youth of all classes of the Society, would have a happy effect on the state of Society in regard to education throughout our borders And while we desire not to press forward more speedily than our resources will admit, we think that the minds of Friends will become more and more prepared for it as our information advances, and means in- crease." It proved to be the work of years to build up in the Society a desire for such an institution. By slow degrees the labors of its friends were successful, and the buildings were, by great exertion, partly completed and first occupied in 1847— fifteen years after the first introduction of the subject into the Yearly Meeting. ; My dear father was upon the first committee which had charge REMINISCENCE. 293 of the school, and by his thorough business habits and educational experience, was able to render efficient aid in bringing about a sys- tem of order and discipline. He always retained his interest in the institution, and for the last three years of his life devoted much time and labor to it, often visiting it, mingling with the scholars at their exercises, and with the officers in their councils, cheering, supporting and encouraging them. He delivered a course of lec- tures on practical business points to the students which were highly appreciated. But his interest and labors were especially directed to the Scriptural instruction of the students, and he had much to do in bringing about the thorough attention to that branch of study which now characterizes Earlham College. His labors were tho- roughly appreciated by the faculty and superintendent, and they bear unqualified testimony to their great loss by his death. The following tribute* to his memory is taken from an address delivered by Zaccheus Test, M. D., one of the Professors in the College, soon after his death. * The hearts of many are already beating more warmly toward this place. A wide interest, we are glad to believe, is being kindled each suc- cessive session, in its objects and its prosperity; and the number is multiply- ing of those who are ready to bid an earnest " God speed " on its career. Would that our rejoicing at these accessions of new Friends were' not saddened by the thought that death is thinning the ranks of the veterans in the cause. In looking about us here to-day our eyes search in vain for one who, for years past, has been among the foremost and most interested with us on these occa- sions. Though his formal participation in the management of the institution had ceased, his interest in its prosperity and success continued warm and una- bated, and often still he would doubtless have lent us his presence and encour- agement. But the place that knew him shall now know him no more. The new year had not told many of its days, ere it summoned us to mourn at his open grave ; and it was a bitter grief that filled some of our hearts, as we thought that his kindly presence and sympathy would no longer, as they were wont, gladden and cheer us at our toil. Many doubtless feel with us that one of the truest and firmest friends of the institution has fallen, one who stood nobly and faithfully by it, alike through evil report and good report, and who allowed nothing to swerve him from his labors and interest in its hehalf. And many, no doubt, have been asking with us, Who is to fill the vacant place in the ranks of its friends? On whom has his mantle fallen? On whom rests the double portion of his spirit? It is most fitting that his last resting-place should be so near the scenes in which he was wont to participate with such a lively interest. That " lone grave " will receive many a pilgrim-visit from teacher and student of Earlham. Around 294 REMINISCENCE. r During his residence at Milton, from the first establishment of the post-office there he held the position of post-master. He believed that good government is one of God's blessings to man ; that the powers that be are ordained of God, and that it is quite possible to carry on governments on Christian principles, and for those in authority to regulate their lives by a Christian standard ; and that living in a republic, every citizen is responsible to some ex- tent for the character of the government. Hence, he always be- lieved it his duty to exercise the right of suffrage, and promptly to pay all legally assessed taxes, often remarking that he felt it to be not only a duty but a privilege, thus to aid in supporting the govern- ment, and in every other respect, when it did not require something which he could not conscientiously perform. Nor did he constantly seek for some "conscientious objection," but was disposed to act with all the liberality the gospel allows, being careful at the same time to maintain a constience void of offense toward God and toward man. He was conservative in his political views, and careful to avoid the extremes of parties and to pursue a mild Christian course, taking no part in the excitement attendant upon political organiza- tions. The lack of Holy Scriptures among Friends in Indiana Yearly Meeting continued to be alarmingly great. The Yearly Meeting had taken .steps to have it inquired into, and in 1830, " The reports from the Quarterly Meetings showed a deficiency of one hundred and ninety -six copies of the Holy Scriptures, in order that each family may be supplied with one, and that all the deficiences are not reported.'' A large proportion of this destitution was in White- water Quarterly Meeting. The existence of such a state of things it are gathered memories and associations dear alike to both. And many an instructive lesson to our comfort and cheer will it have for us; for " though dead he yet speaketh," and in the luster of his example, and in the peaceful - ness and glorious hope of his death, we may see the beauty of a consecrated life and the blessedness of its reward. I feel that many words would not become me in this allusion. I have felt, indeed, that any were far short of my feelings, that I could scarcely let myself bring the matter to words at all. But I would fain give some expression, faint though it be, of what I so deeply feel, that Earlham Collage has lost a friend it could ill spare; and its officers an earnest and sympathizing adviser and co- worker, whose place can not easily be filled. One whose memory they will long cherish with the liveliest gratitude, and the most affectionate regard. REMINISCENCE. 295 •was deeply affecting to my beloved father, and with his character- istic energy and determination, at Whitewater Quarterly Meeting on the Twelfth-month following, he procured the co-operation of some Friends, and they organized an auxiliary to the Bible Associa- tion of Friends in Philadelphia, for the purpose as set out in their constitution, " of supplying Friends and others in this vicinity with the Holy Scriptures, encouraging the frequent and serious perusal of them, and promoting a more accurate knowledge of their invalu- able contents." But thirteen Friends participated in the first meet- ing. My dear father was appointed secretary. The work went quietly forward, and commending itself more and more to Friends, many valuable members became participants in it. [At the Yearly Meeting in 1831, ninety-one families and parts of families were re- ported " as destitute of those invaluable writings," of which sixty- five were in Whitewater Quarterly Meeting. In 1832, forty-five in the Yearly Meeting and twenty-six in Whitewater Quarterly Meet- ing. In 1835, nineteen in the Yearly Meeting and three in White- water Quarterly Meeting], The meetings of the Auxiliary above named continued to be held, sometimes with very few present and under discouraging circumstances for nearly thirty years, until the organization was in great measure superseded by Indiana Bible Association of Friends; and many years before it ceased an active existence, every family of Friends within its limits was supplied with a good reference Bible, and every reader with a small Bible. In the Third-month 1832, " Charles Osborn, a minister of th® gospel, in unity with the Society of Friends, having obtained cer- tificates to perform a religious visit to Friends and others in Great Britain and Ireland, set off toward Philadelphia, with a view of sailing from that city across the Atlantic." My dear father, in a small memorandum book, says: " I having for sometime wished to visit the market of Philadelphia, in order to purchase merchan- dise, and having an agency for Indiana Yearly Meeting to provide Friends' books for the libraries, and wishing to attend Philadelphia Yearly Meeting in the Fourth-month next, and having this oppor- tunity of agreeable company, resolved to travel to the above-named city, with a view to attend to these several subjects. 7 ' This journey afforded him an opportunity of mingling with many valuable friends with whom he had long corresponded, and was useful to him in various respects. He kept accurate and interesting notes of it. 296 They are interesting to refer to, as an illustration of the change in the method of traveling between the same points in thirty years. They went by private conveyance to Hamilton, Ohio ; thence by canal- boat to Cincinnati j thence by steamboat to Wheeling, Virginia, occupying about four days between Cincinnati and Wheeling. From Wheeling they traveled by stage-coach to Fredericktown, Maryland, and from thence to Baltimore, sixty miles, upon one of the first railroads built in the United States. The cars were pro- pelled by horse power, and occupied about eight hours in the journey. He notes, " this was rapid and easy traveling.'' His memorandum gives an accurate description of the novel and interesting road and equipments, then just introduced. They arrived in Philadelphia on the 30th of the Third-month, having been sixteen days, including some short detention, in performing the journey. Steamships had not then been introduced, and his companion sailed from New York for Liverpool, in the packet-ship " Silas Richards,'' on the 7th of the Fourth-month. Afterward my dear father returned to Philadelphia, purchased his goods, and at- tended the Yearly Meeting. It was to him a very interesting occa- sion—Jonathan and Hannah Backhouse of England, Henry Hull of New York, Jeremiah Hubbard of North Carolina, and Ann Taylor of Ohio, were among the ministers from other Yearly Meetings in attendance. He says, " this Yearly Meeting has been conducted in a very harmonious and satisfactory manner,'' and " its close took place in a solemn and memorable manner.'' He visited Westtown board- ing-school after the Yearly Meeting, and speaks of it " as in very successful operation," and " being in a very thriving and prosperous condition." After spending a few days more in Philadelphia, visit- ing various public institutions and other objects of interest, and mingling with his friends and forming acquaintance and attachment with some valued friends, which was kept up as long as he lived, he set out for home, and returning by stage-coach through Penn- sylvania to Pittsburg, and by the Ohio river to Cincinnati, he reached his own home at Milton, on the 9th of the Fifth-month 1832, and notes in his memorandum-book, " much pleased to meet my family and friends after a very interesting journey, and feeling thankful to a good Providence for the favors which had attended me." The writer well remembers the interest with which he nar- rated to his family on his return the various events which had oc- REMINISCENCE. 297 eurred to him during his absence, and the thankfulness with which he spoke of the preserving care of Divine Providence toward him and his beloved family during their separation. This was another marked feature in his character. In later years he was often called from home, but never set out without earnest prayer for preserva- tion, and always returned home with thanksgiving for his safety ; thus abundantly realizing a sense of his dependence upon Divine Providence for all his sure mercies. His business being prudently and carefully managed, continued to prosper in a small way ; but his capital was small, and his great antipathy to being in debt, led him to accept a proposition which was made to him by a wholesale dry goods firm in Cincinnati, with which he had for several years dealt, and who were well acquainted with his careful business habits, to take charge of their books with a prospect of larger interest in their business if mutually agreeable. He felt keenly breaking off the connection which had so long and so pleasantly existed with his friends at Milton, but after serious deliberation, he thought it best to make the change ; and closing his business satisfactorily, he left there with his family, in the Seventh-month 1832, and arrived at Cincinnati, on the 4th. The change to city life for one always accustomed to the country, was great, but ho entered upon the duties incident to his new situa- tion, with his accustomed energy and zeal, and soon made himself efficient in the business, and gained the esteem of his employers, and of those who dealt with them. His interest in religious sub- jects continued unabated, and he soon commenced a Scripture school on First-day, in Friends' meeting-house, one of the first in tlie Society in the west. It was kept up during his stay in the city, and was well attended. The experiment worked satisfactorily^ During his residence in Cincinnati, Jonathan and Hannah C. Back- house visited that city. Their earnest and effectual labors in the cause of Scriptural instruction, met with a ready response with my dear father, being in accordance with his own views and practices ; and he often spoke of the strength and encouragement this had afforded him. About the time of his arrival in Cincinnati, the second visitation of cholera was prevailing there. It was very fatal. Much alarm was felt, and a deep gloom spread over the city. The writer well remembers the calmness of his father ; while using all proper pre- 19 298 KEMINISCENCE. cautions, lie remained quietly at his post, and attended regularly to his daily duties, trusting in God. Business prospered and increased in the house with which he was connected. The prospect of speedily making a fortune was before him. But the increasing business re- quired so large a share of his time, and so fully occupied his mind, as to cut him off from the opportunity to devote himself to religious objects so much as he desired. This, together with the impression that his family eould be more readily trained to a religious life in the country, caused him to accept a position which was tendered him in the fall of 1834, as cashier of the Branch of the State Bank of Indiana at Kichmond, a new institution which was about com- mencing business. This led him to return to the State and county from whence he had removed, and brought him to the place where the Yearly Meeting was held. This movement, too, was not made without deep thoughtfulness and prayer ; and, although it led to a sacrifice of prospects of greater gain, he ever felt that the hand of Divine Providence was in the opening thus presented for a change of business, and that it resulted in good to himself and his family. He was again thrown into an untried business, and again had to carve out his way. His associate officers were also novices in the business, and upon him fell the principal management of the bank. He brought to it his usual correct business habits, and an earnest application and unbending integrity, which insured success. For several years he remained almost the sole manager of the branch at Richmond, and also represented that branch in the board of directors of the State Bank, and to him largely the public are indebted for the high standard attained by that branch of the old State Bank of Indiana, and the creditable manner in which it was conducted. He opened the doors at the commencement of the bank on the 1st of the Twelfth-month, 1834, and continued to fill this position until its final close, on the 1st of the First-month, 1859, a period of nearly twenty-five years. Most of his early associates, both in the branch bank with which he was connected, and in the parent institution and its other branches, had passed off the stage before he retired, but with all who survive him he is held in kind remembrance, and greatly respected for his candor, integrity, and business habits. "A lover of hospitality, a lover of good men," his house was ever open to receive tho&e who were traveling in the service of their REMINISCENCE. 299 Lord or of the church ; and uniform testimony has been borne by these to the kindness, hospitality, and Christian spirit with which they were received and entertained. Most of the ministers of the gospel from England, who visited Richmond after he removed there, were his guests, and warm attachment was formed between them, and his correspondence with some of them, which was kept up until his death, was very interesting. The acquaintance thus formed, together with his position and influence in his own Yearly Meeting, caused his name to be familiar throughout the Society of Friends, so that wherever Indiana Yearly Meeting was known, his name was attached to it. The visit of Joseph John Gurney, in 1837, was a memorable one to my father and his family. He is still remembered by those who survive for his sweet Christian spirit, his abounding prayer and thanksgiving, and for his feeling appreciation of the condition of those among whom he mingled and his tender advice, counsel and warning/ He notes his arrival in his journal, under date of Tenth-month 2, 1837, thus briefly and pleasantly : " We arrived at the peaceful abode of dear Elijah Coffin on Sixth-day, in time to 'attend the afternoon Meeting for Suffering." About this period, one of those circumstances occurred which showed the advantage a thorough knowledge of the Holy Scriptures had upon the mind of my dear father. Some Friends were dis- posed to give a theoretical interpretation to the doctrine of the resurrection of the dead and general day of judgment, and to spiritualize away the plain teachings of the Holy Scriptures on this subject; and these views had so far prevailed in one Monthly Meet- ing in the Quarterly Meeting to which he belonged, as to lead to serious difficulty and disagreement. My dear father was one of a committee appointed by the Quarterly Meeting to visit them, and by his rigid adherence to the Holy Scriptures, neither going beyond nor stopping short of the views therein laid down on these points, was able to do much toward allaying the excitement. The Monthly Meeting was temporarily suspended, but the occurrence was useful in leading many to a more thorough search of the Holy Scriptures and examination of the foundation of their belief. My dear father had, from early life, been a decided anti-slavery man, and while a resident of North Carolina, was connected with an emancipation society. His great aversion to slavery was a prin- 300 REMINISCENCE. cipal cause for his leaving that State, as he preferred to have his children brought up in a free State. He always maintained, con- sistently and decidedly, his opposition to slavery ; and when the legislature of Indiana passed laws discriminating against colored people, he was one of a deputation from the Meeting for Sufferings who visited Indianapolis, in the winter of 1830, to urge their re- peal, and the granting that class of citizens equal rights with others. He labored much during his life for the advancement of the colored people in education and Christianity, and was a firm and reliable friend to the race. He was, however, by natural temperament and through Divine grace, conservative and careful about running to extremes, and his well-balanced mind soon detected any tendency in that direction. When the anti-slavery excitement which spread over the Northern States had begun to agitate his own religious Society, he feared the tendency to extremes which it developed. He thought, too, that the zeal and heat which was manifested was calculated to injure rather than promote the cause ; hence, while his views on the subject of slavery and the rights of the colored people remained unchanged, he stood firmly against the spirit which was being developed in the Society, and which finally re- sulted in the withdrawal of a considerable number of the members of Indiana Yearly Meeting, and the establishment, in the Second- month, 1843, of the Indiana Yearly Meeting of Anti-slavery Friends. He felt keenly this step, as it cut him off from religious association with many to whom he was closely attached, and with whom he had long labored in the good cause. In this, as in many other differences in religious Society, much ill-feeling was stirred up, and no doubt a want of sufficient forbearance was shown by their brethren toward those who were honestly and conscientiously laboring in what they thought a right cause. Time wore off the difference to a great extent, and subsequently far the greater number of those who left the Society on that occasion were restored to it. My dear father ever felt a deep interest in the civilization and spread of Christianity among the heathen nations, and a warm re- gard for the devoted missionaries who sacrificed so much of per- sonal comfort and enjoyment as to spend their lives in this good cause. He rendered them such aid, pecuniarily and otherwise, as he was able to, and as he could consistently with his views of the freedom and spirituality of the gospel dispensation. His interest REMINISCENCE. 301 in this cause continued unabated to the end of his life, and he sub- scribed during his last illness for the " Missionary Herald," in order to keep himself fully advised upon the subject. He looked upon the colony of Liberia as likely to have a useful influence in the spread of civilization and Christianity in Africa, and hence gave it his hearty support. In the year 1846, my dear father was appointed an Elder. His thorough knowledge of the Holy Scriptures, and religious weight of character, rendered him well qualified for that position; and with him it was not merely a nominal office to which he had attained from negative qualities, and on account of plain dress and a con- sistent outward appearance, and because no especial objection could be urged to him. He had very clear views of gospel ministry, and dealt tenderly, but decidedly, with the ministry: advised, encour- aged or warned them as occasioned required. He labored faith- fully to feed the flock over which he was overseer, and did not con- fine his labors to finding fault with the unwary, and with those who had gone astray. Many young Christians remember, -with affectionate interest, his kind and sympathetic advice, and his words of counsel and encouragement. In Meetings of Discipline he was especially useful, his clear, sound and well expressed views having great weight with his Friends. His labors for the advancement of every good cause were earnest and indefatigable, his habits of sys- tem and order being eminently useful in the practical affairs of the church. A few times in his life he spoke in Meetings for Worship in a forcible and striking manner — but it was very rarely. He re- marked, a short time before his death, that he had often in years past examined carefully, and believed that he was not called to the gospel ministry, but to labor in other parts of the Heavenly Father's vineyard, and that fact had made him too cautious about publicly speaking for his Saviour, and he now believed that it would have been right for him more frequently to have'shown by outward expres- sion his love for his Saviour. He was several times during his life engaged in visiting families and individuals to encourge them in a religious life. In the year 1850, my dear mother and himself at- tended Walnut Ridge Monthly Meeting, and visited twelve to four- teen families, and several individuals, mostly among his relations* His labors among them were interesting, and attended with useful results. On another occasion, in company with two other Friends, 302 REMINISCENCE. he visited a large number of families of newly married persons, and single young men in the limits of his own Monthly Meeting. This service yielded himself and his associates peace of mind, and was acknowledged by many of those whom they visited to have been useful to them. He continued to feel a deep interest in this class of society as long as he lived, and the singularly touching and beau- tiful remarks he made in the last Yearly Meeting he attended, after he was unable to sit long at a time, will not soon be forgotten by those who heard them. At the close of the charter of the State Bank on First day of 1859, my dear father gave up secular business, but he was too active a man, and had too high an estimate of the value of time, to spend it in idleness. He had seen too frequently the evil results of mem- bers of our own religious Society, even in'advanced years, when not forced by physical inability to do so, giving up all employment and spending their time in listless idleness ; he often remarked that such were sure to fall into temptation, and to be the instruments of others, if not themselves the active participants in evil. His time after this was almost wholly taken up with such objects as he thought would promote the glory of our Heavenly Father. In the various engagements connected with his own religious Society; the Bible Society; the Central Book and Tract Committee ; the committee having charge of Earlham College, much of his time was occupied, as will more fully appear in his journal. The pre- paration and publication of his " Scripture Exercises," also cost him much time and labor : so that altogether in no part of his life had he been more closely engaged. All these were objects in which he felt a great interest, and he spoke of them on his death- bed as affording him unqualified satisfaction in the retrospect, " be- cause he did them from his love to Christ." During this period he spent some time in visiting the families in the ward of the city in which he lived, during the winter season, to inquire into their out- ward wants and to supply the destitute with Bibles and Tracts. A similar service was performed in a suburb of the city, which led? through his exertion principally, to the estalishment of a "Sabbath School," which has since been in successful operation, and has been productive of good fruits. He is borne in affectionate remem- brance by many of those who were thus visited, and since his death, touching tributes have been borne to his memory by some REMINISCENCE. 303 of these poor and neglected ones. His kind and Christian manner secured for him a favorable reception wherever he went, and his loving spirit left its impress on those he visited. During his whole life he had a warm attachment for the branch of the Christian church to which he belonged. Connected with Friends by birth and education, his views of the accordancy of their principles with the doctrines of the gospel as laid down in the Holy Scriptures, became stronger and more decided the longer he lived, and the more he grew in spiritual knowledge. His life too had been much devoted to the service of the church and to the spread of a vital experimental Christianity and a loving spirit among its members. Under ap- pointment of the Superior Meeting, he frequently took long jour- neys to visit the churches, and expended much of his time and means in such services, and few persons have been similarly en- gaged to more profit. He left a memento behind him wherever he went, and many endearing associations were thus formed. Within the last two years of his life, as will more fully appear in his journal, he thus visited Iowa and Kansas, beside attending North Carolina, New York and New England Yearly Meetings. He was himself a strict observer of the peculiarities of the Society in dress and language, and brought up his children in conformity to them, but as he grew older he put less stress on these minor points, and felt more earnest interest in repentance, conversion, change of heart and life, and thorough submission to the operation of Divine grace in the heart, than in outward conformity to the rules of the Society. He feared that many relied too much upon these minor points and neglected the weightier matters of the law. He often remarked that if we made clean the inside of the cup and platter, the out- side would be clean also. He was especially concerned in the lat- ter part of his life and during his final illness, that those in more advanced years, and occupying prominent stations in the church, might thoroughly examine themselves, to know whether they had passed from death unto life, and his kind, feeling conversations with some of this class were peculiarly touching and interesting. While entertaining these views and feelings in regard to his own religious Society, he had the most extended charity and love for those of other Christian denominations. Ha mingled freely with all such in promotion of the great objects of life, and was ever ready to participate with them in any movement which he consid- 304 REMINISCENCE, ered to be for the good of his fellow-men. He frequently visited and addressed their Sabbath Schools, Bible Societies and other useful associations— and encouraged the establishment of schools for the instruction in the Holy Scriptures of those who were' neg- lected, especially where denominational schools could not be. easily maintained. While maintaining thoroughly what he believed to be the true Christian doctrine as to the freedom and spirituality of the gospel ministry and the necessity for Divine aid in the exercise thereof and in prayer, he was careful not to judge harshly those who differed from him, nor to discourage exer- cises of that kind which they believed to be right. During his last sickness- he received with much comfort the visits of ministers and others, members of other churches, and some seasons of prayer on such occasions were deeply affecting to himself and his family. His feelings were simply and beautifully expressed, on one occasion during his final sickness, to one of this class : " While I love my church and brethern, with an ardor indescribable, I love you all — I love all you who love the Lord Jesus Christ, because they love Him." My dear father was always careful in speaking, of his own personal religious experience. With an abounding sense of his own infirmities- and his unworthiness, he felt that to the mercy of God he owed all. that he was, and he was fearful almost to a fault, ia laying claim to be a servant of Christ, and in speaking of his own ad- vance in Christian life. But his life was to those who were most inti- mately acquainted with him a beautiful exemplication of the gradual work of sanctification, and of that path of the just which shines more and more unto tke perfect day. His heart had, at an early period in his life, been given to Grod:. he had experienced conversion, and showed by his after life and conversation that his great object was to serve the Lord, benefit his fellow-men, and attain finally to one of those mansions prepared in Heaven for those who love the Lord Jesus Christ. In the year 18-44, he passed through one of those seasons of deep mental agony which sometimes overtake the Christian, and are intended for his further purification and refine- ment. His soul was poured out repeatedly in strong cries and prayers to Glod — daily and often during the day much time was spent in retirement and prayer — finally faith obtained the victory, and he came out further advanced in the pathway of Holiness — the face of his Heavenly Father again shone upon him, and His REMINISCENCE. §05 spirit spake peace to his soul. It was a well-marked era in his life, and made a strong impression upon his family as well as himself. It is not professed that he was clear of faults. He was- naturally of an irritable, nervous temperament, and had a strong will to sub- due — but he labored earnestly and faithfully to this end. Nor did he permit a sense of his own weakness to prevent his labors for the good of others. He felt keenly the wickedness by nature of his own heart, and his constant liability to fall into temptation, and the necessity for watchfulness and prayer. With a clear, strong mind he readily grasped any proposition, and frequently when he clearly saw the expediency of any measures which he thought for the good of the church or the world, it was difficult for him to have sufficient patience with those who differed from him, and he sometimes pressed his points with such earnestness as to give him the appearance of overbearing. He was ever ready both publicly and privately to confess his faults, and frequently poured outliis soul in prayer for forgiveness of sins, and strength to overcome the evil of his nature ; for this he relied solely on that fount which is opened for sin and for uncleanness — the precious blood of Christ. With a keen sense of honor and justice he was ever ready to make amends to any whose feelings he had wounded, or explanation to those who felt themselves aggrieved. Thus he passed through life with fear and trembling, still growing, in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. It was interesting and instructive to those who were associated with him, to note the progressive development of his religious experience,, and his continued steady progress in the highway to holiness. A person of such a temparament, and. of so earnest) a character, will necessarily encounter opposition; and he was not exempt from enemies. There *were those, even in his own church., who either from jealousy, or other fruits of an evil heart, opposed his schemes Sot good, and took pleasure in annoying him. Toward such he en- deavored to cultivate a Christian spirit, and to forgive and love them, and when he was reviled to revile not again; at the same time exercising a stern care not to waver in the path of duty on account of opposition — nor to permit himself to be drawn into compromises which required a sacrifice of duty. In this respect he was quite remarkable, pursuing with firmness the path of duty, ever bearing in mind that he that will live godly must suffer persecution, and 306 REMINISCENCE. that the servant of a crucified Lord must expect to be reviled and opposed. He often spoke of this as the militant church, and looked forward with earnest aspirations to that better land where all is peace, love and joy. He was especially guarded in reference to tale bearing, and circulating reports unfavorable to others, or speaking of their faults. Few persons have through life come more nearly up to the Christian standard in this respect. If any- thing reached him unfavorable to another, which he considered worthy of notice at all, it was his habit to go to the accused party and speak to him in the spirit of restoring love. It was rarely, however, that he gave heed to mere floating rumors or reports, prejudicial to others, looking upon all such things as the offspring of the evil one, and leading into loss to the Christian, who either circulated them or nourished the spirit by listening to them. Such was the life my honored father led: an active, devoted, earnest, Christian man, who carried out into practial every-day affairs the principles of the religion he professed. "While he was not without many of the frailties incident to this life — no one was so con- scious of them as he was himself. He was a man of prayer, spend- ing a part of each day, for many years, in religious devotion. Some instances of prayer in his family, and on more public occasions, are still feelingly borne in mind by survivors. The Bible was his great book. His knowledge of its contents was very thorough — his quo- tations correct, and he cultivated a reverent belief, rather than a curious and doubting study of its contents. Christian virtues shone out with greater clearness in his latter days — and for the last few months of his life he seemed to those around him as one ripe for eternity. Of his death, the beautiful description of that of another devoted Christian who passed from works to rewards, near the same time, is striking applicable to him. " His lovely, noble life closed with a worthy death. All the piety, the Christian humility and simplicity which, through many years had illuminated the community he dwelt among, were trebly evinced in the manner of his de- parture. Full of faith, delight in his Saviour, kindness for all he parted from* yet joy and triumph, in his destiny, humbly regarding himself as nothing — nothing — only a poor sinner, saved by grace, patient in the midst of dreadful and prolonged suffering, speaking only of God's goodness in sustaining him in the dark valley — a valley whose darkness had been his terror, but which he found all alight with God's mercy — his death was a scene which none can ap- REMINISCENCE. 307 predate who did not witness it, and which they who did can not adequately describe."^ It has been touching to his family to see the many tributes •which have been borne to his merits, and the evidence received from vari- ous sources of the hold he had on many hearts. " Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like bis."' 6.8 3 '/?? * -Kf,, 1 *f> *,/<> ^ ^,S V , : ^% \ & .<-$ '^ o x ^c ,0 o tf> * - : A V -i -<■> *■ c^ ^ ■**. *' *•, " W' : ^% V --. 1 t 0o, v '♦ \v <*> : ,^ N "% >*' $ °„. 0> %. 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